Friends of Nimrodel: Tapestry of Dreams - Discussion

[littlemanpoet]

You're not doing anything wrong at all, Nuru. Sorry to lead you to think so - didn't mean to do that. Or maybe I did, but stand corrected. Yeah, that's probably more like it. :p You're right. Leafa, having been a wayfarer, would have had a non-Rohirric experience, which would lead her not to think the way Ædegard would; and Liornung, a traveler, would have adjusted his way of thinking to account for all the differences he has seen in his travels. The same kind of thing happened to the crusaders in the Middle Ages. They left Europe to fight the infidel..... they came back changed by their experiences, with a broader perspective. So yes.

On....the....other hand, there is still my point about modernistic ways of thought, in which in terms of the individual is automatically the way we think. It's not that people from the middle ages didn't realize they were individuals, but saw themselves as part of a whole; so much so that to be cut off from family and community was like being condemned to death. These days it just as often means "freedom". I hope that makes more sense.

[Nurumaiel]

lmp,
I was just talking about that with my mother today. Family loyalty, cultural loyalty, etc... something to keep in mind when writing any kind of story... in certain situations, such as the current one, it brings up conflict. Thanks for bringing this up, and I'll bear it in mind (especially in a current work, which has been struggling to find suitable conflict). I won't go too much farther for fear of straying off the topic of the RPG. :)

Helen, I forgot to mention in my last post that I am praying for your mother. I'm glad to hear she's doing well!

[alaklondewen]

I feel like maybe a short explanation of Erebemlin's behavior may be needed, especially since I have been gone lately and have not been able to bring him to this point in my posts.

Erebemlin is undergoing a lot of stress, as are the other members of the company. I've tried hinting at his ever growing irritation in earlier posts with Taitheneb. To this point, the other elf has been the only one to see anything changing, but with the return of Mellondu, he is snapping. His heart is broken with the disappearance of Amroth and unfortunately he is not dealing with it in an appropriate manner.

With that said, Erebemlin's sudden harsh speech toward Ædegard is not uncharacteristic, and I've been planning this kind of confrontation or outburst for sometime. lmp, feel free to push his buttons if you so choose. :)

[Imladris]

So is there anything that the Gondor troup should be doing? Also, what kind of symptoms will Gwyllion be experiencing in this comotose state do you suppose, LMP? More nightmares?

I hope your mum is okay, Bolco. :)

[mark12_30]

THank you! She is steadily improving, praise God, and thank you all for your prayers. And as much as my mom improves, my dad continues to cheer up... it's all good.

Thank you again, all, for your prayers. Hugely appreciated.

[littlemanpoet]

Thinking out loud here (so to speak :p ). Gwyllion and Mellonin are pawns in Tharonwe's control. As such, Gwyllion is unimportant, and he has little time to spare for her dreams. He started by giving her a potion to get her asleep in the first place, but once she was asleep, Thraonwe has been using his will and that alone to keep her asleep. It is not yet to his purpose to waken, for he does not want Aeron and company to become too hopeful. So as to symptoms of Gwyllion, she will begin to sleep more peacefully, but under duress, being asleep at the will of another. That will be a cause of stress on her person, so there can be symptoms of illness not unlike Frodo's from Weathertop to Rivendell, but nothing nearly so serious! Hope that helps.

Mellonin is in the same state, but there is something about her that has drawn Thraonwe's attention; he is not yet sure what it is, but it will come clear now during the next night, since Amroth and Mellondu have switched places, as it were. At that point he will have changed his mind and not returned her to Ravion and company, for it becomes clear that there is a connection between Amroth's group and this wandering band of wayfarers looking for a lost brother.

Tharonwe continues to give Nimrodel the same type of messages and dreams as always, but does so carefully, trying to avoid detection by the Elves from Lorien. (Don't ask me what happened to Falowik and Uien - that seems to be a dead issue which we must do without - it occurred to me just now because it certainly would have altered Tharonwe's strategies.)

Nevertheless, Tharonwe knows that he has already been detected via osanwe, and that it is a matter of time before the two parties discover each other..... unless he can force the wanderers back to Minas Tirith.

So the upshot seems to be that Tharonwe will follow Ravion's group south back into Gondor, leaving his swamp and the swamp beast behind. This keeps the Elves of Rohan at a distance, but increases Tharonwe's risk of being caught out away from the lands he controls and knows so well. Hmmm...... would he leave the swamp? It depends on what he can determine regarding Mellonin and Mellondu. So he's not sure yet, and the spinning of our plot will have an effect on his decision (if and how soon to return Mellonin to the others).

[mark12_30]

Soooo.... Mellonin is still captive, still miserably dreaming nightmares, and there's no release in sight? Oooo, Tharonwe is a rotten meanie.

Uh... *blinks*... time to go pray about what's next... ...Lord??

[mark12_30]

lmp, the elf on the deck of the ship is Tharonwe. Also Tharonwe hides Mellonin and Raefindan from Amroth. Let me know if this is handled okay-- any issues, let me know.

If Amroth hasn't 'resurfaced' already (read: if ye Rohan writer(s) isn't/aren't ready for him to surface just yet) then he will, soon.

ps. alak, whatcha think? ;)

[littlemanpoet]

Helen, that has to be one of the best posts I've ever read on BD. Wow! It all fits. Beautifully executed! Don't change a thing!

[mark12_30]

**blushes, and bows**

Do we want to discuss the timing of Amroth's re-emergence and Mellondu's re-submerging? Amroth will (as usual) push Echo to the limit, and all his old stubbornness will resurface, tempered by love of his group, but intensified by the new information.

Nethwador will be confused but loyal, still annoyed with Ædegard, still drawn to Bella. Hmmmm.... currently, he would want to protect Bella (as he "protected" Argeleafa from Ædegard's tear-inducing mean-and-rotten-ness) but he only knows how to use his fists. Must consider this.

It's odd, when Nethwador ("Wild Mellon" ) first appeared, I saw in him only a foil for Mellondu. How he has grown...

[Imladris]

Save filled. :)

[Orual]

Save deleted, but post up. Guys, I am so sorry that I've been absent lately--things have been getting crazy here with auditions and academics and productions. I'm hoping to develop a routine soon, so I ought to be back to normal posting. I haven't forgotten--I'm just trying to sort things out.

Love where everything's going! You guys are the best.

[mark12_30]

I'm definitely enjoying this myself!! Whatta team!!! :D

First month of school is always a whirlwind? I think most of the students have been on the 'quiet' side.

Good to see you 'back', Orual! And good old Ravion...

[littlemanpoet]

I am going on a four day vacation. I'll be back Tuesday. Just so you know where things are going....

1. Mellonin will NOT be returned to the Raefindan group (in case that wasn't obvious).

2. The merchant and his footman, accompanied by a mercenary group of 12 armed men, will confront the Raefindan group just before noon of the new day, and will require that Aeron and Gwyllion go with them back to Minas Tirith. Obviously, this number is intended to intimidate the five into putting up no resistance. If and when they do, an arrow (from hidden Tharonwe) will strike true to severely wound whichever individual shows first initiative; the nature of this arrow's point will be revealed upon my return.

3. Ædegard will continue his descent into morose self-abuse, and will respond emotionally to whomever engages him at this point, and in mirror image to however he is engaged. If pity, with piteousness; if anger, with unacted upon rage (boiling teapot syndrome). Whatever, he will not take physical action of any type, no matter how needful; but he will speak in a subdued fashion.

4. Tharonwe will keep tabs on the Amroth party by means of careful Osanwe. His careful mind searches can be detected, but only if Amroth or one of the two Elves directs his Osanwe directly at the swamp, with the purpose of discovering that which BLOCKS Nimrodel. Make sense?

Helen, this is your rpg. You've allowed me plenty of influence, which has been fun. Please feel free (of course) to overrule any of the above that you think needs it.

Hope that gives the rest of you enough to go on.

[Imladris]

2. The merchant and his footman, accompanied by a mercenary group of 12 armed men, will confront the Raefindan group just before noon of the new day, and will require that Aeron and Gwyllion go with them back to Minas Tirith. Obviously, this number is intended to intimidate the five into putting up no resistance. If and when they do, an arrow (from hidden Tharonwe) will strike true to severely wound whichever individual shows first initiative; the nature of this arrow's point will be revealed upon my return.

Lmp, how in the WORLD did you know that I was going to have the merchant come back???? :eek: That is just too scary... ;)

Cheers,
Immy

[mark12_30]

Helen, this is your rpg. You've allowed me plenty of influence, which has been fun. Please feel free (of course) to overrule any of the above that you think needs it.

Why, thank you! But it all sounds marvelous. And "Plenty of influence" is what Gondor is all about; that's what gives a Gondorian game a life of its own! I wouldn't have it otherwise.

I was braced for that when I started this game, with the main caveat being "Keep it as canonical as possible." As a team, you have all done a marvelous job with that. My only nervousness was having a swamp-beastie in the Entwash Delta so far from Moria Westgate, with no way for it to have wriggled downstream from Mama. I think we have settled on the explanation for that. (And since I facetiously suggested it myself, that's a relief!!!) I am content.

And if it sounds like I am quite proud of all of you, well, you could say that too.

;)

[littlemanpoet]

"Lmp, how in the WORLD did you know that I was going to have the merchant come back????"

Thought I'd check in quick one last time before we drive off to Drummond Island. At to your question, Immy, you kind of left the merchant open as a plot point to be called back into action at any time, so I've been intending to make use of him for quite a while. :D

Thanks, Helen, for your encouragement and high regard. Back at ya! :)

[mark12_30]

Nuru, dear, this (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=351554&postcount=64) post brought me to tears.

[mark12_30]

With baited breath, I anticipate THE LITTLEMANPOET's return.

[mark12_30]

"Uh.... Hello....?"

**looks behind several tussocks of swamp-grass, but finds no writers in sight**

"....Dratted Swamp-Elf must have gotten them..."

[Imladris]

Well, I wasn't entirely sure what to do. Gwyll's asleep, Aeron's injured.

I was wondering when the merchant with his henchman would show up?

[mark12_30]

Dunno. Not til Tharonwe contacts them somehow. Unless they are already out and hunting??

Who is playing them?

I have my hands full with Amroth, Mellondu, Mellonin, and Nethwador. So feel free....

[Imladris]

Yes, I was going to play the merchant and his henchman as they are my characters....but, I was going to bring them back when the two parties (the Gondorian and the Rohan one) merged -- they are still going to merge, right??? I thought it'd create more conflict.

[mark12_30]

Yes, the parties will still merge, but I must have "Tharonwe" there to do it.

Villain, villain, o where art thou?

[littlemanpoet]

Sorry friends, I've been either busy (up until last night) or unable to get dial-up to cooperate (last night - grrrr.....).

My thought was to have the merchant and entourage meet the Raefindan group around noon of the current day; Tharonwe is using suggestion instead of anything direct, so they think they're on their own. This suggestion can be written into something Amroth can detect. So I'll make the meeting happen between Raefindan's group and the merchant's group, and Immy can take over the merchant from there.... and Helen can have Amroth show up just as soon as she likes. Of course, I'm writing this not having read anything since two days ago, so I'm sure this'll have to get edited.

[mark12_30]

HE'S ALIVE! hE'S ALIVE!!!!

Er, glad you're back, lmp!!

[littlemanpoet]

"According to the lore of hobbits, an evil race of cannibal spirits called the mewlips settled in certain marshlands of Middle-earth. Hoarding phantoms very like the dreaded barrow-wights they seemed, but they made their homes in foul and dank swamps. Travellers in their lands always walked in peril, for many were said to be waylaid by these beings." - Tolkien Reader

Durn it. We goofed... sort of. Tharonwe could have had Mewlips as his "orcs", per se. Phooey. Just goes to show I need to spend more time in Books discussions. :p

Guess it's too late now..... or is it? >:-)

[Imladris]

Are they still in the swamps? IF they are, then it is never too late.

[littlemanpoet]

No, they're not still in the swamps, but Tharonwe's activities have been oblique to Raefindan's company, and frankly, I've been scratching my head a bit for just how Tharonwe has been pulling off all his stunts.

To have some kind of creature, called Mewlip, seems useful. I'm not sure exactly what they are, but will let the poem lead me in any descriptions. I'm thinking some kind of humanoid degraded by Morgoth into man-eating, evil creatures. I'll let the poem lead my descriptions, which I have handy in my bookcase.

[mark12_30]

"Mewlips" is really rather a Hobbit poem. I love it, but it is awfully cute.

I have no problem whatsoever with having the source of that hobbit-legend spring to life-- or un-life-- in the swamp, but if we **call** them Mewlips, they become cute and comical and I'd rather dodge that.

We can always explain (after some good, slimy horror) that these creatures were the source of the Mewlips legend for the hobbits.

I'm leaning towards the Swamp-dead, as in the Dead Marshes (yes, yes, that is their name.) They can be as mewlipsy as we want-- but let's call them something else?

[littlemanpoet]

I can't see Tharonwe messing around with the undead. Don't know why. I see the mewlips or merlocks, whatever you want to call them, as some kind of night-wakeful cannibalistic humanoid that has developed excellent survival skills for swamp life. Sort of Gollumish without the ring-lust.

Wrong place for this, except that I brought it up in this context, :p but it occurred to me that an invisible hobbit-eating Smeagol could possibly be the seed for the folklore behind the poem. Anyway....

By the by, I edited post # 484 to account for Gwyllion's nightmares of Aeron drowning.

[mark12_30]

Eeeeew.

Okay.

Merlocks would be a good name; hints at Mewlips but not blatant.

I'd rather not get sunken into a swamp battle that lasts for months unending-- what kind of thing do you have in mind? Ten of them? Ten thousand?

[littlemanpoet]

Maybe a half dozen. There aren't that many, I would imagine, since they probably would eat each other when they can't have human or fish or frog.

[mark12_30]

Ah! All-righty-o.

What kind of resistance will these mewMerlocks have to elves?

An elf in a man's body?

Are they affected by osanwe? Do men freak out about them? Who gets squeamish?

[Imladris]

How do they attack?

[littlemanpoet]

How do they attack?

With their bare hands and teeth. Their greatest weapon is stealth and surprise.

What kind of resistance will these Merlocks have to elves?

Um, what do you mean by resistance? At any rate, I suppose no better than humans, being a type of human degraded by Morgoth. Or should they be swamp elves degraded by Morgoth? Hmmmm......

What kind of resistance will these Merlocks have to an elf in a man's body?

Same answer as above?

Are they affected by osanwe?

I reeeeelly need to read up on osanwe. I have my doubts whether we're even using it right. Could Elves affect orcs by osanwe? Same principle, I suppose.

Do men freak out about them?

Yes.

Who gets squeamish?

Anybody not trained for war or will power, I suppose.

Feel free to help me flesh this out!

[mark12_30]

We pause our regularly scheduled programming for a public service announcement:

:cool:

!!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY IMMY!!!!

:smokin:

:D

[Imladris]

Awww.....

*blushes and bows*

Thanks you guys!

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Right...

A little late, but...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IMLADRIS!!!

YAY! :D

Feliz cumpleaños!

-Aylwen

P.S. When exactly are the two groups (Rohan and Gondor) going to bump into each other? I've gotten lost along this long, winding road of discussion posts, and I'm unsure how much longer before the big get-together...;)

[littlemanpoet]

Happy B-day, Immy! How many?

I'm lost too. I have the general idea that the Amroth party is adhering rather strictly to the originally mapped plan, placing them at this moment close to the Anduin, just south of the south-most mouth of the Entwash.

As for the Raefindan party (erstwhile Ravion party - man, I got used to calling them Ravion's Rovers, and miss it!), I had Tharonwe send them on a more southwesterly way back out of the swamp than they went in. That would put them, more or less, near the mouth of the Mering stream! Which is quite a march away from Amroth et.al.

I suppose we could correct that to southeasterly, which not only makes better sense in terms of the merchant happening upon them due to the osanwe suggestions of Tharonwe, but it puts them in a more direct path toward Minas Tirith. Thus, they would now be only 25 miles (give or take) away from Amroth's group, instead of the 150 which would be the case if they were by the Mering Stream!

To be as exact as the map Helen has provided, allows, I see the Raefindan party just on the Anorien side of the southmost Entwash mouth, on that blue line Helen traced, which is directly above the mid-point between the "o" and "r" of Anorien. Make sense? That means that if Amroth and his Elf friends use osanwe for a while (now that I have better idea what osanwe is, and it seems we are using it right), will find the minds of the merchant and cronies, even if Tharonwe's mind remains hidden. And maybe they can see Mellonin's dreams, too. At any rate, Amroth would set forth at a gallop once he has discovered their location, and would rush to Mellonin, right? Then there are enough of them to take on the merchant party and get Aeron and Gwyllion back.... right? Of course, first Amroth would have to be convinced of their importance, which in terms of finding Nimrodel, um, would it be? Huh. Start thinking of how to convince, my friends. Of course, love and honor and friendship are highly valued by Elves, so I suppose that's the clear way forward.

Enough of my blather. Post away! And correct me where I've blundered, please! :D

[Imladris]

Happy B-day, Immy! How many?

Aww, thankee LMP! I am seventeen...wow...seventeen...that is so old. Well, it sounds old to me...I'm sure to the adults seventeen is nothing...

That means that if Amroth and his Elf friends use osanwe for a while (now that I have better idea what osanwe is, and it seems we are using it right), will find the minds of the merchant and cronies, even if Tharonwe's mind remains hidden.

Will the merchant feel the osanwe?

Would it be all right if I bring on an attack of Merlocks in my last post?

Aywlen, what does "Feliz cumpleaños!" mean?

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Aywlen, what does "Feliz cumpleaños!" mean?

Happy birthday. :)

Make sense?

Yes, thank you lmp. Now I know exactly where everyone is supposed to be. Thank you...

It seems like (assumption, sorry if it's wrong) that Taitheneb would pity the humans, so he'd at least be convinced of their importance...

Off to school...ugh...

-Aylwen

[littlemanpoet]

I got in-laws coming for the night, so I won't be doing any more than this and I gotta make this quick.

I'd say that the merchant will NOT feel the osanwe. He strikes me as egotistical and money-hungry enough to be pretty unperceptive in any but ego-feeding and materialistic ways. Same goes for all his cronies.

It's up to you what you want to do with merlocks. They wouldn't appear outside their own area of control unless by the will of Tharonwe, though; and therefore, they wouldn't do anything unless Tharonwe wanted it done, such as attacking. They're not about to attack the merchant and mercenary group, because they're already doing what Tharonwe wants. There's no point in having them attack the Ravion party right now, because the merchant & mercentary group serves that purpose.

By the by, you surprised me by having other merchants. I had imagined this as being 12 men-at-arms with 1 merchant and his bodyguard, but your "extra merchants" thing works fine - we just can't water down the number of armed mercenaries too much.

Gotta go!

[Imladris]

I filled in my save and, as I'm sure all of you were expecting, Aeron is *very* upset.

[mark12_30]

Okay-- so Aeron and Gwyllion are captive, Tharonwe is still hiding with Mellonin captive; Raefindan, Ravion and Erundil are Gond-less. Woot! The Gondorians are all high-stress! How is Jorje taking all this?

Likewise the Rohan team should be exhausted? Yawns, resentment, complaints?

lmp, unless you indicate otherwise, I'm thinking it's time for Amroth to thunder into the middle of all this-- I'll probably do the post tomorrow. (maybe hoping for a few more rohan posts in between-- Nuru? Aylwen? Alak?)

I think right now, Amroth would sense Raefindan-- I imagine his thoughts are pretty wide open, as well as is grief & worry for Mellonin; and Amroth has a bit of a link with Raefindan through the dream.

Raefindan can convince him that Mellonin is the woman he dreamt about.

I think Ravion should plead for Amroth's pursuit of Aeron and Gwyllion? Orual, does that sound plausible?

[mark12_30]

Ummmm-- I have (....counting...)8 people here, 5 of whom qare specifically here to see ROTK... so that post might not (probably won't) go up until tomorrow.

Hope that's OK....

[littlemanpoet]

I'm making one edit to my most recent post. It's basically to catch the leader of the mercenaries in his words. If he's so honorable, he wouldn't countenance the theft of Gond. Thought of that after getting offline. :D

Yes, I'm fully expecting Amroth to thunder in at any moment. Raefindan will be in the midst of telling Ravion and Erundil to start after the merchant, while he stays in the area to recover Mellonin (he hopes) or be picked off by the swamp elf (he hopes not).

Ravion may protest, unsure whether to go after Gond or stay to look for Mellonin. He may trust Erundil to handle the Minas Tirith part of the quest on his own, eh?

[mark12_30]

Amroth has thundered in, and on, and Raefindan is (once again) in over his head.

Will they pick up Erundil on the way by?

And those two ladies standing alone on the plains-- will they be there when the troop returns?

[Imladris]

Ooo, I'm confused:

that we will be hard pressed to find her without them. Well, I think. "

How would Aeron and Gwyllion help them find Mellonin?

[mark12_30]

Okay. Edited. Better I hope?

[Imladris]

Yes. Much better. :)

[mark12_30]

I guess Erebemlin's eyes are better than Taitheneb's, but Taitheneb has the better ears...

Alak, how am I doing with your elves??

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

My save for Bellyn is filled. :D

-Aylwen

[Imladris]

I filled in my save.

I just want to apologize that I haven't been posting as often as I should have been. Things have really gotten busy on this end. I'm sorry.

[mark12_30]

I think we are all busy... and this part does seem a bit fuzzy.

(Lord, inspiration please? How should all this pan out? And how can we best praise you in it?)

lmp, immy, I assume we want to simply overwhelm and disarm these mercenaries, and not kill them?

Will a blast of Osanwe and a little blade work do the job, do you think?

Oh, and about my Math-- if there were a dozen mercenaries and more than one merchant, how many men are there really? Immy?

While he's at it, Amroth will give the dratted merchant Such A Headache. Search and accuse a la Galadriel vs Boromir, I think. Any suggestions as to Merchant's weaknesses for Amroth to expose? And I think Aeron would get a sifting too, to determine what's really in his heart. What weaknesses does the merchant have that Amroth should play off of? What should they find in Aeron?

Immy, would you like to write that post? It would come immediately after the Overwhelm-and-disarm part.

Edit:

On second thought, how about Erebemlin does the Galadriel-mind-sifting bit?

Taitheneb can be busy reassuring Gwillion (there'll be bloodshed, though not fatal) and Amroth can be busy intimidating the men-at-arms; Erebemlin can vent some of his pent-up annoyance and frustration on the Merchant-- and then check Aeron out.

Alak, does that sound plausible?

[Imladris]

Will a blast of Osanwe and a little blade work do the job, do you think?

Oh, and about my Math-- if there were a dozen mercenaries and more than one merchant, how many men are there really? Immy?

*cough* Um...hehehehe....let's make it about a nice total of two disgruntled merchant and twelve mercenaries...that'd be fourteen men.

While he's at it, Amroth will give the dratted merchant Such A Headache. Search and accuse a la Galadriel vs Boromir, I think. Any suggestions as to Merchant's weaknesses for Amroth to expose? And I think Aeron would get a sifting too, to determine what's really in his heart. What weaknesses does the merchant have that Amroth should play off of? What should they find in Aeron?

Immy, would you like to write that post? It would come immediately after the Overwhelm-and-disarm part.

Oof...that's a toughy. The merchant is primarily angry because Aeron has been a thief most of his childhood and teenage years and has not been caught. He has had the good luck to catch him, and is denyed by a ranger no less. In his mind, that is pure and simple wrongness. In his mind, he is helping justice along by handing the boy over. Yet he is proud, refusing to listen to why Ravion is reluctant to give them over. His pride is injured that a boy has escaped him for so long, that this mangy cur dared to touch his gems.

Edit: the merchant has a twisted sense of nobility as well. That, I think, is a weakness...

Also, as was pointed out earlier, he has a weakness for his horse.

Does that help at all?

As for Aeron: though a late teenager I believe (can't remember his age exactly), Aeron is a boy. He never really grew up, and the growing up he did receive was not good. As Ponyboy said in The Outsiders: You see things but all the wrong things (paraphrased of course). He has a happy-go-lucky attitude that takes a serious crash to the ground when he feels betrayed. Currently, he thinks that Raefindan betrayed him, he's probably still ticked with Ravion, and he's concerned for his sister. Right now, all these things have come upon and he's confused and angry.

I hope I answered the question...

[Orual]

Post up! Sorry it's late; I've been having trouble keeping up, what with a crazy rehearsal schedule, opening in two weeks, and other things. I hope it's sufficient!

By the way, Immy--since I don't give out much reputation, I can't give you another boost, but I've been loving your posts lately. Your merchant reminds me a little of Javert from Hugo's Les Miserables.

~O

[Imladris]

By the way, Immy--since I don't give out much reputation, I can't give you another boost, but I've been loving your posts lately. Your merchant reminds me a little of Javert from Hugo's Les Miserables.

Aww....thank you...

[mark12_30]

I've posted; it's long, and the battle is incomplete (perhaps it's just started.) Suggestions & posts welcome! Otherwise I'll continue later.

I went back and counted; Immy, you had named two other merchants, one fat one thin. I left it at three merchants and twelve men-at-arms. I hope the math worked.

[littlemanpoet]

Tharonwe and his five Merlocks now have control of Mellonin, Bellyn, and Argeleafa.
The women sleep.

Tharonwe is desperate. He has seen the merging of the two groups, and understands that his plans are in jeapordy. He is going to do all he can to save his plans and to counter Amroth's purpose. He will make threats, and will follow through on those threats.

So I have some questions:

I will not have Tharonwe kill off any of the three women characters unless I have the writer/player's permission to do so. Even then, I might not. But is anyone willing to let that happen?

If not, I have some other options along the lines of pain and defacing. Tharonwe will follow through on any threats.

One final thing: in the best story telling, the writer is not afraid to let his protagonists get into really hot water. In fact, things get worse and worse, and even worse, before they finally get better. The only way to have a eucatastrophe is if it looks like all hope is gone, and then the story turns anyway. I'd love to see us go there, but it means not taking the easy ways out.

I was actually in favor of not having a battle between the Group and the merchants and mercenaries, because they are "small fry" compared to the big enemy, Tharonwe. I'm feeling like maybe Tharonwe is a little too weak, and am trying to decide between finding ways to strengthen him, or create someone that is behind him, and even stronger and worse. :eek: Not sure which way to go. Reactions?

[mark12_30]

Five Merlocks... *grin*

I'd consider letting go of Mellonin, but she's part of the punch line... Not sure I can. But she can certainly be scarred for life.

Worse than Tharonwe? Eeek is right. It can't be Morgoth or Sauron... **ponders** Hoom hom.

[Imladris]

You guys might not like this, but I have a plan.

Worse and worse you say?

How about Aeron and Gwyllion go off by themselves when they make camp, just for some catching up. Gwyllion will tell Aeron of her dreams and how glad she is that he is still alive and all that sappy stuff.

Aeron will be shot by one of the elf's darts and maybe Gwyllion. The elf will take Gwyllion and threaten to kill her (maybe because he knows how Aeron is so attached to her?) and...he does.

LMP said for things to get worse and worse...currently Gwyllion is the youngest one in the group, no? Quite a horrid thing to happen to die so young.

Quite tragic really. I've been looking for a way for Gwyllion to die...but I haven't found one yet.

[Nurumaiel]

I wrote up a brief little post for Liornung concerning his reactions to the disappearance of the lassies, as this would be something that would effect him deeply.

I know I don't want Leafa killed, but I have to consider just how far I'm willing to let things go with her. For some reason I seem to shrink away from the idea of any defacement, though I know with any other character I wouldn't mind too much. I must sit down a bit and try to work out why I don't want it for her and if it's a real, logical reason to forbid it from happening, or if the aversion merely stems from an attachment to her. It could just be because Helen's not object to Mellonin being scarred, and while it wouldn't be exactly unrealistic for the same thing to happen to two characters, it wouldn't give as wide a scope of emotions.

Righto... let me see now... it actually does seem that both Leafa and Mellonin could be scarred and there could still be a whole range of emotions, considering their different personalities and the way they would react to different things. Yet it seems also that with two characters running up against two different troubles, there would not only be a wide range of emotions, but a wider range of reactions to a wider range of situations.

Let me run along now and think out how I want things to go with Leafa, or at least what I'd prefer the basic to be.

EDIT: Immy, All I can say is: :eek: :eek: That really is 'worse and worse.' I'd have a difficult time reconciling myself to that... I rather liked Gwyllion. :(

[mark12_30]

And talk about leaving a completely wrecked Aeron.

Hoo boy!

Nuru, Tharonwe could deface one and injure another. Perhaps the kind of cut so she cannot walk, and can only ride with pain?

Or-- he could rake through her mind, and leave her stunned with what he finds, and mentally incapacitated-- either temporarily or permanently.

[Imladris]

And talk about leaving a completely wrecked Aeron.

Hoo boy!

Yes.

Has the Osanwe racking of both Aeron and the merchant happened yet? Or did that not happen?

[mark12_30]

Uh.... I glossed over the bit with the merchant. I'd call that one an almost but not quite; there was enough to wint he battle but no sifting. Yet.

Aeron-- not yet.

And it doesn't look like it'll happen tilBella and Argeleafa are recovered OR they have a serious breather in the meantime-- which I doubt. Once Amroth is on Tharonwe's trail, he won't quit.

But I have to think all that through!

I am unexpectedly home for the weekend-- sick as a dog, again-- and I have a to-do-list which contains the Amroth-Tharonwe confrontation. But I don't wanna rush it, or it'll be.... well, rushed. It needs percolation & inspiration. (Prayers for inspiration gratefully accepted.)

Everybody else dive in, please! Reactions, emotions, plot twists, left-fielders...

Actually, Immy, Taitheneb was "working" on both Gwyllion and Aeron during the mellee, so they have a bit of a link established-- Aeron could figure that out, and build a friendsihp with Taitheneb. So could Gwyllion. Might come in awfully handy. He's a good ally to have.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Whoosh!

Missed that conversation...cable went out for most of Thursday night and Friday I had a really long-lasting meet...sorry about that. :eek:

The only reason I don't want Bella dying...well, it would take me out of the game entirely, as she is my only character. :(

However...

I honestly think though that if anything were to happen to one of the other captured ladies, and Bellyn somehow escaped unscathed...she'd feel rather guilty. I'm also very uncertain of how she would react to just...well, being saved altogether.

Must think this through...

-Aylwen

[Nurumaiel]

The ONLY reason, Aylwen? *glances at Nethwador*

:)

Helen, thanks for the suggestions! I'd like her 'fate' to differ from Mellonin's enough so it isn't exactly the same, but not so different that it's blatantly unrealistic (a completely different happening for each lady, as if it had been planned for years... might be odd). I also don't want anything that might permanently hinder her abilities as a housewife... unless there's going to be a change of mind from one side or the other and there's not going to be a wedding in the future.

But I don't want to be taking too much control here...

lmp?

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks for the feedback and willingness to even consider (!) this.

Okay, Immy, go ahead with sending Aeron and Gwyllion out to talk. They'll have to do it in secret, or in frank disobedience of orders, because with now three women captured, everybody else will be very cautious indeed.

After that.....

one captive will die
one will be defaced
one will be injured
one will escape unscathed.

I'm not saying who, what, so that you'll have something to (ahem) look forward to.

:D

Thanks much!

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

one captive will die
one will be defaced
one will be injured
one will escape unscathed.

Oh boy...

:)

The ONLY reason, Aylwen? *glances at Nethwador*

Oops...so maybe I forgot a few really good reasons. :D

-Aylwen

[Imladris]

Ooo, suspense! YAYNESS.

However, I need to re-read the game thread. I have no idea who the members of the other group are.

*hides from glaring looks* Yeah....well...*mumbles*, or at least all the parts with Taitheneb.

I'll try to have a post up today. Doubt it though. My Modern Mythology teacher assigned us four chapters of the Sil, On Fairy Stories, and C.S Lewis's On Myth to read in a week (the last two we have to write a journal entry to compare the two). I finished the Sil in a day, have to do the other two, and I have Geometry homework. And the worst thing is that I have to do this on Saturday and Sunday. *sniffs pathetically* ;) Feel better soon, Helen...

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

*Aylwen waits patiently in eager suspense*

:D

Helen - I hope you feel better?

Also...is there anything the captives might be able to post about? I'm itching to write a post but I wonder if it might be silly to write a post about what Bella is dreaming or thinking about - if she's even doing such things at this point anyhow.

-Aylwen

[Orual]

Save filled! Imladris, if you have any changes you'd like to make on behalf of Gwyllion, just tell me.

[mark12_30]

Aylwen-- "Tapestry of dreams"-- yes, please do write about Bella's dreams!!! Or anything else you'd like.

Who's in charge of The Merlocks? Amroth's troop has almost caught up with Bella and her two Merlock captors.

[littlemanpoet]

I'd like to propose that we set up a time to get together on YIM, to do the confrontation post between Amroth and Tharonwe. My idea is that we could actually collaborate and build the post, giving as many characters as seem appropriate, some kind of action and thoughts, all in one post. The real reason I want to do this is because I think there's going to be a lot of back and forth dialogue between Tharonwe and Amroth, and I'd rather not take 12 posts to complete one confrontational conversation!

I'm thinking that anybody who wants to be involved, could join this, and that time and day discussion should be based on GMT, if we're interested in actually doing this. What do you think?

[Imladris]

Do you spose that I'd be needed?

And when are the women going to be meet their dooms? When should I do the post for Gwyll?

[mark12_30]

lmp-- i love the idea.

I think as many of us who can, should be there, and jump in as needed-- this is actually a chance to do one of the old-style "Chat-Role-Playing-Games--Dialog between charactesr becomes live and real-time. While In general, the BD frowns on it, this is an exception, will be edited prior to finally posting the results, will open a crucial plot-item up to everybody's participation, and I think can make the final product superb.

ANyone that doesn't have a yahoo ID, they are (a) free, (b) Easy to get, and (c) you don't **Have** to install Yahoo Chat; there is a web-version you can use that will allow you to join in (at least I'm pretty sure about that. We can look further into it.)

[littlemanpoet]

Yes, I/we want you to participate, Immy! :)

Immy can do it 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. GMT, but on Thursday.

I can do it 10 p.m. to 12 midnight GMT, any day this week.

[mark12_30]

If I'm east coast, I add five hours to get GMT?

[Nurumaiel]

Helen, I do believe it would be -5 hours. But don't go on my word for authority! If it's +5 hours it would be awful to get on around 10 pm GMT, would it not? Those wee sma' hours. :D

Seeing as most are available around 10 p.m. GMT, I'll say I'm free then, too, from then to whenever it's over or I'm pressed to leave. Except Saturdays... I'm free at 10 p.m. GMT on Saturdays, but only for a little while.

But I don't have YIM. Where can I get it, or will I need to install it at all?

I don't know if I'd be absolutely necessary for the confrontation, but I want to spy on you anyway. :D

[mark12_30]

Thanks, Nuru!

If you are an owner or a member of a yahoo group, then you already have an ID.

One place for info is this:

http://messenger.yahoo.com/?i=1
and click on "New to Instant Messenger". That tells you all about the installed version.

I would use the Web Messenger instead of the installed version if I did not have a good firewall at home (I do, so I use the regular one.)

The web one is more limiting, but you can use it especially for a planned time & meeting, it should work. Go here http://messenger.yahoo.com/?i=1 , scroll down to the bottom of the page and choose "Launch Web Messenger".

You'll have to add our screen names to your buddy list. Mine is in my profile, as is immy's; I don't know about lmp.

[mark12_30]

Immy can do it 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. GMT, but on Thursday.

I can do it 10 p.m. to 12 midnight GMT, any day this week.

Okay.

10PM to 2AM GMT
10 to 12 PM GMT

I went into options and set my own time to GMT. My Watch says almost eleven AM. The GMT clock says 2:52 PM, or almost 3 PM. So I add four hours to my own time to get GMT...

So I subtract four hours from GMT times to get my time...
So lmp's time is 6 to 8 Boston-time any evening
Immy is 6 to 10 Boston Thursday...
I think I can agree to that. Sounds like thursday so far?

[Nurumaiel]

Thanks, Helen! I don't think it should be too difficult to figure out. I'm not sure about our firewall... I think it's pretty good but I can't be positive.

I am realizing with humiliation that I was almost misguiding in my last post, for I misread yours! Yes, indeedy, you would at 5 hours to get GMT. I guess I was clear enough in what I was saying, however, to be saying you would take 5 hours away from GMT. It seems as though I didn't completely confuse you! :D Trivial, perhaps, but as a writer I hate to misread and then write something that might cause havoc.

So we'll probably be starting at about 10 p.m. GMT, on Thursday, and ending whenever we're done?

[Nurumaiel]

It occurred to me just a few minutes ago that I'm not going to be around Thursday this week. Generally Thursdays are free for me but the little hobbit has a doctor's appointment this Thursday that directly conflicts with the times that work best for everyone here.

Hopefully it won't matter too much... I don't think I'm very necessary to the confrontation.

[littlemanpoet]

I will figure on 10 p.m. GMT, Thursday. (6 p.m. EDT) Sorry you can't be there, Nuru. We could do it again as soon as Saturday, if necessary, or not... :p

[mark12_30]

Nuru, caring for the little hobbit certainly takes precedence! Give him a kiss for me. (Did he enjoy those songs?)

[littlemanpoet]

I've edited my last post, adding some more plot developments to it.

Now the ball's in Herb Emblem's and Ambrose's court.

If they decide to send Tate Enid after Ædegard, one set of events will occur, which I've kind of mapped out.

If they decide not to send anybody after Ædegard, a different set of events will occur.

If everybody goes back to find Ædegard, yet another set of events will take place.

I look forward to seeing which way things go.

*rubs hands together, warming up to the plot* :smokin:

[mark12_30]

...my wonderful dog is very sick, struggling to breathe. I must get her to the vet today. Work is also horrendous. I will try hard to be here for the chat but if I'm not-- profuse apologies....

edit: ps. I might make it... I hope...

[mark12_30]

104.5.... Wow, that's a high fever even for a dog! Poor girl! But she is better now, no temperature, and the swelling in her thoat has gone way down. Her neck is almost normal too. After anti-inflammatories and anti-biotics, my dog is home, and so am I. She is ready to play, and I am ready to chat. at 10 GMT...

God is good.

[littlemanpoet]

Hi everybody! Helen and I realized that we both have about a post in us each before the actual confrontation post, so we decided to hold off, and that it would be more fun to have more writers than just Helen and I. So, with only two days to plan, does Saturday work okay? If so, when?

And just to keep you all abreast of how things look to be going.... Helen has saved post # 509 for Amroth's decision regarding chasing after Ædegard; I've save #510 to deal with Raefindan's response to that. Anybody, please feel free to post up between now and Saturday. There are all kinds of new characters to interadt with. True, Erebemlin has ordered everyone to be quiet, but that won't stop Aeron, for example. ;) So there can at least be curiosity, and Leafa can dream along with Bella and Mellonin.

Happy writing on this excellent rpg!

[mark12_30]

Aylwen, that was a wonderful post!! It seems to me that you are describing either Nimrodel or Mithrellas sitting against that wall of rock; is that true? If Bella is linked to Mithrellas dream-wise you could develop that with lmp (Raefindan is tied to Imrazor) OR if Bella is linked to Nimrodel, that might help explain Amroth's fondness for hearing Bella sing? Numerous possibilities. Let us know!

[Nurumaiel]

Oh, bah humbug! Saturday works as well as it could for me, if we're doing it at the same times as previously planned, but I can only be there for about an hour... it will be long enough to spy a little bit, however. :D

Helen, I'm so glad to hear that your dog is doing all right. I wonder if people will ever refrain from growing attached to animals? I haven't, and I don't want to! But it makes their illnesses and deaths terrible to bear.

[mark12_30]

We could do a different time if it's better for you.

How is the hobbit?? I'm surprised to see you back already!

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

I love when school is cancelled. :)

Aylwen, that was a wonderful post!! It seems to me that you are describing either Nimrodel or Mithrellas sitting against that wall of rock; is that true? If Bella is linked to Mithrellas dream-wise you could develop that with lmp (Raefindan is tied to Imrazor) OR if Bella is linked to Nimrodel, that might help explain Amroth's fondness for hearing Bella sing? Numerous possibilities. Let us know!

Thank you. :D

I hadn't actually thought of Mithrellas, but I was thinking that she was Nimrodel when I wrote the post. I don't know why or how Bellyn would have such a link to Nimrodel, though, and I wouldn't want to overstep any boundaries there might be or ruin any plans. Though, the same dark-haired woman (Nimrodel?) has appeared in at least one more of Bellyn's rather strange dreams. I don't know why I keep going back to that. If this doesn't fit or won't fit, I could change it a bit and just pretend it was Bellyn's mother, or somethign to that extent. As of now, though, I would say it is Nimrodel, if no one else...

Oh, what a tangled web we weave. ;)

What do you think? I don't want to ruin anything.

-Aylwen

[mark12_30]

Oh, it ruins nothing! On the contrary, it adds a richness and diversity to the tapestry....

People connected with Nimrodel via dream and/ or Osanwe:

Tharonwe
Amroth
Bella
Mellonin
...there may be more?

People connected with Amroth via Osanwe:
Erebemlin
Taitheneb
Nethwador
In a combative/ eveasive/ eslusive way, Tharonwe

Connected to Imrazor:
Raefindan

Connected to Mithrellas:
Sometimes Mellonin

Who else has been involved dream-wise? I KNOW I'm forgetting someone but I can't place it. Gwyll?

[Imladris]

No, not Gwyll, though she has had nightmares. Do you want Gwyll to be connected with Mithrellas?

[mark12_30]

Generally speaking, the more connections-- enven if it's just a thread-- the more the story weaves together. Gwyll's connection can be simple, tying her nightmares together with something Mithrellas has experienced. THen when it is related to Raefindan, it';l give Raefindan a clue about what's been going on with Mithrellas-- even better if its a clue for finding her.

She'd tell Aeron about it, I suppose? Otherwise, I don't know if anyone else would find out.

[Imladris]

Yes, she would tell Aeron.

What would she dream about Mithrellas?

[littlemanpoet]

Grrrr! My dial-up was verrry uncooperative last night. One of these years I'll convince my better half that the switch is worth it. Anyway, I assume that we're all thinking of YIMming today at 6 pm eastern daylight (10 GMT, 3 pm PDT). I'm find with that if you want to start that late, but those times were really for weekday considerations. We could start a little earlier too, for Nuru's sake. I can be on at 5 pm, if others want to do that. I'll be on until noon EDT today, and then not until 5. The plot continues to twist ... (in the wind?) :P

[mark12_30]

I'm good with 5 EDT especially if Nuru can join us!

[Imladris]

I'll try to be on...however I have to go shoe shopping today (been suffering blisters for quite a while) and...it all depends on how long that takes.

*really doesn't want to go shoe shopping today*

[mark12_30]

lmp== on second second thought-- YIM me, I have an idea about a way that Tharonwe can really corner Amroth.

[Imladris]

Hey LMP, would it be okay for Gwyll to dream of Mithrellas? If so, what kind of dream would you need?

I was thinking that Gwyll could sense her loneliness too, but that's just me.

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, our Group Post is going to undergo major revision. There's a certain collaborative vigor that goes with creating something real-time. But you have to have the time, and it has to be undistracted! - which my time wasn't. Also, I discovered that we really need to collaborate on the villain as well as the characters and plot. Whereas it's great fun to surprise the group, it only works if the surprises are thought out well enough, and that (oops) didn't quite happen.

For one thing, I didn't have Tharonwe thinking Elvishly enough, nor craftily enough, for that matter. He would have known that he would be at too big a disadvantage with 3 Elves against 1, in terms of both osanwe, and arrows, to let them get within shooting or speaking range. So Tharonwe is not going to let the Party get close enough to him to shoot or talk. Any "bargaining' will be done via long distance (out of sight) osanwe. Tharonwe and his merlocks are therefore on the other side of much muck and mire and water, out of sight.

That of course directly affects some of what has been written in the Group Post.

Tharonwe will "call up" Mellondu, and Raefindan and Ravion both will protest Amroth's indifference to Mellonin, whose suffering at the hands of Tharwone, will be communicated to all via osanwe, unless Amroth and the Elves attempt to protect the humans' minds from it (but why would they?).

The only damage to Mellonin will be five tiny muscles extracted carefully from her left cheek, and fed one each to the five merlocks. I don't know exactly what that would look like after it was healed, but let's just assume that Mellonin's face sags on the left side, and her smiles are all one sided only - but not her frowns.

Gwyllion and Aeron will be darted, and Gwyllion taken captive yet again!

Leafa will be the next bargaining chip after Mellonin. Her upper arm bone (whatever it's called) will be broken. She will faint (after being woken up), but will not be allowed to die.

Gwyllion's neck will be slit. This should be about where Amroth agrees to stop pursuing his quest, after much persuasion from the Elves and the humans, who swear oaths to continue the quest FOR him, without telling Tharonwe, and their minds closed to him.

Bellyn will have to live with survivor guilt.

The women will be found lying at the edge of the swamp the next morning, including the body of Gwyllion.

The Party will, of course, be more committed than ever to the quest, and will also do all they can to bring Tharonwe into captivity before they pursue the quest any further, so as to end his mischief (which, of course, will not end - it'll just be right in their midst, and limited by his bonds).

Oh. Ædegard and Jorje Tirril will still be missing. It will be up to the members of the party what to do about them. I know what Raefindan will think, and probably Leafa, I'm guessing.

How does that work?

[Imladris]

It works great....what will happen to Aeron when Gwyllion is darted?

[littlemanpoet]

My thought is that he would be found leaning on the neck of his horse, which would be walking aimlessly along the swamp path, and thus found by the party on their way back out of the swamp. (sorry to have him stuck with them yet again!) ;)

[mark12_30]

This should be about where Amroth agrees to stop pursuing his quest, after much persuasion from the Elves and the humans, who swear oaths to continue the quest FOR him, without telling Tharonwe, and their minds closed to him.

This is where I don't get it.

Put yourself in Amroth's position. If someone who was
*keeping you from your spouse and
*mentally tormenting your spouse,
also killed someone you had known for 2 days,
would you let the tormentor convince you to stop looking for your spouse?

Amroth strikes me as the type who would not. "If another does evil, why would I let them bind me? They will answer for their evil, but I will also answer if I fail to pursue good." He won't give up due to outside pressure **especially** from a competitor.

From Amroth's perspective, what's Tharonwe's worst threat? He'll kill Nimrodel? THen she ends up in the Halls of Mandos -- and Amroth wins.

In addition to the hurdle of Amroth's iron attitude-- technically, for Amroth to abandon his quest, would mean for him to give up and go home, since if he's still out riding looking for her, he's still on the quest. That would kind of gut the story? If I'm not seeing it your way, please clarify.

Options:

1. If Tharonwe can lie fast and hard enough, then under his influence, Mellondu can deny Amroth control. When NImrodel rejected Amroth, Amroth sank voluntarily; this time, Mellondu can sink him. Mellondu has voluntarily given him control; Tharonwe can convince Mellondu to take it back, and treat Amroth like a guest again. Mellondu can refuse Amroth permission to speak or control him anymore, especially if he's going to get Mellondu's friends cut up. Taitheneb and Erebemlin (and other interested parties) can swear to continue Amroth's quest even though Mellondu won't let Amroth surface or assert himself. That I can believe. (Might make for interesting character development on an otherwise very passive Mellondu.)

2. Amroth would accept a rejection/ repudiation from Nimrodel herself (although he would suspect taht it comes from Tharonwe, and therefore doubt it mightily. Fool me once...) Nimrodel can reiterate her rejection of Amroth, though what this gains (since she already has done this once, and he no longer believes it) I'm not sure.

3. General mutiny on the part of the men makes some sense. But then there are those pesky elves sticking up for Amroth. And Tharonwe still wouldnt' get his promise.

I really prefer Option 1 and 3. Mellondu surfaces, promising that he won't let Amroth put his own sisters' life at risk again. HOwever, even Mellondu will have a hard time agreeing not to pursue Nimrodel-- remember he likes her now. But perhaps Tharonwe won't know, notice, or care. If his mind is closed, is this enough?

This sets up conflict between Amroth & Mellondu, increases tension within the group, and will weaken Amroth / Mellondu physically.

[mark12_30]

Here's what no longer works, from the game thread... Since posting has stalled, I figured I'd leave it here... not sure what else to do with it.

******

The three elves and Ravion had nocked arrows and ready bows; Echo and the other horses slowed to a trot; ahead of them, the three figures had stopped. One was an Elf, another a small, skinny, hairless man, and Mellonin, asleep. The Elf stood on a little hillock.

Amroth glanced at Raefindan. "This is the one you seek?"

"Yes!" said Raefindan.

The elf spoke. "Come no closer, if you value the life of this maiden!"

Amroth's lips tightened; Echo's head dropped, and the group halted.

"Ah," said Tharonwe, "the resemblance is remarkable."

Amroth said nothing. Erebemlin spoke. "Release the captive."

Amroth waited, his eyes cold and dark.

"I do not think you are in any position to give me orders, Lorien Elf." Tharonwe raised a sharp knife to Mellonin's face. The elvish bows tightened.

The little man licked his lips hungrily.

"You have never taken orders, faithless one. For that you shall answer, " said Erebemlin.

"Do you think I jest?" Tharonwe asked, his mouth twisted in anger. "You will wake up now, maiden," said Tharonwe. Mellonin's eyes blinked open. "If, Amroth, or Mellondu, maybe I should call you, you do not swear to end your quest, this woman's pain is caused by you." The short ugly man held Mellonin in a firm grip, her hands behind her back.

Amroth raised an eyebrow. “So you say, false one, but I do not hold the knife. Your cruelty is your own. The evil you do is yours.”

"You call it evil, I call it necessity. You shall not have Nimrodel. She is mine!"

Raefindan saw three heads moving through the water toward Tharonwe. Taitheneb and Erebemlin shifted their aim to the swimmers.

“I will not cease my quest. And Nimrodel shall never be yours, knave.” Amroth bent his will on the dark elf-'s hand, and his arm began to shake.

"You cannot overwhelm me, Amroth."

“Nor you defeat me, dark one.”

The three elves bent their will against the dark elf, and he quailed slightly, but recovered.

"Release the girl,” said Erebemlin.

"My blade will cut poorly then, and that will be to your blame." Tharonwe's shaking knife cut Mellonin's face. The blade went deep. Mellonin screamed.

A cry came from him the dark elf too, as Erebemlin's arrow pierced his shoulder. The dark elf's arm jerked, and more blood flowed down Mellonin’s face.

Taitheneb's arrow flew into the dark elf's throat.

“Stop!” cried Amroth. “Do not kill him! Take him captive!”

The dark elf, blood trickling from his throat, sliced one more time at Mellonin before the knife fell from his hand. But the water around him swirled, and strange shapes came out of the water.

[Imladris]

I have filled in my save...I hope Gwyllion's dream is all right?

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, you've outlined the character of Amroth quite well. Let me try Tharonwe.

Tharonwe is justified in his own mind, to take the actions he takes, because he is convinced that he has been wronged. He does not see himself as evil, but as doing what is necessary since middle earth does not converge to bring about that which he considers to be just and fair: namely, Nimrodel to him, and Amroth out of the picture.

He considers all non-Elvish life-forms to be inferior, and values them little; nevertheless, he is aware that Amroth does not see other life-forms this way, and counts on him to care what happens to humans, horses, and even dogs. He will test Amroth in this way, and expects that Amroth's warm heart will keep him from allowing Tharonwe to do much harm - because Tharonwe does not care to do much harm, only what is necessary to achieve the necessary outcome. Believe it or not, when and if Amroth refuses to bend in the face of Mellonin's defacing, Leafa's injury, and Gwyllion's death, Tharonwe will believe that Amroth is ignoble, and does not deserve Nimrodel, if he ever did.

Let me re-iterate: Tharonwe does not do violence or lie any more than seems necessary.

All that having been said, Option 1 seems workable, but not in terms of Tharonwe lying fast and hard enough; rather, seeing himself as actually more noble than Amroth, because Amroth does not do what must be done in the face of necessity, as does Tharonwe. Amroth is unreasonable and arrogant and selfish, in Tharonwe's lights, to allow the women to be victimized all for the sake of getting Nimrodel back; and therefore, Tharonwe will feel all the more justified in "punishing" Amroth for his wrongfulness. And then he can think of calling up Mellondu, and breeding mutiny among the human men.

What do you think?

[mark12_30]

Sounds reasonably unreasonable to me! And quite realistic. Multiple-voiced ricocheting echoes of "You heartless cad, how could you...?"

Immy, I like the dream! Nicely done, and very Gwyllish! Skipping amid the flowers...

Now for one of those annoying details-- and entirely my fault. I am afraid that I've got Nimrodel's hair color wrong... I keep saying "shadowy", a la Luthien, but she was Silvan, and their hair is gold. "As sun upon the golden boughs of Lorien the fair." Get a clue, Helen, it's *right there* in the song...

[Imladris]

Edited. :D

[mark12_30]

lmp-- wow.

[mark12_30]

HI Folks,

The good news is that yesterday I finally went to the doctor, and they gave me plenty of drugs. The bad news is-- these antibiotics are whupping my butt. I barely had enough oomph to fill the dishwasher (I didn't cook) and I am headed for bed.

Drat that swamp-elf and his sleepydarts, anyway.

:D

Anyhow-- post away. Please! Lmp has gotten some tremendous momentum going. lmp, if you'd like, you can post away, now that you know where Amroth is coming from-- he's been dead, so he fears it less (for himself and others) than perhaps he should.

If you write anything that I consider Amrothian heresy, I'll bug you later & we can fix it. For now, have fun...

If you don't see me in a couple more days, somebody send Erebemlin & Taitheneb after me. Or at least Jorje.

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks for the kind words about my posting, Helen. I'll try to steer clear of Amrothian heresy, but not too, too hard. ;) Gotta have something to get you going about, don't we? :D

But shoot, I ended where I did in order to give you a good reaction point, because even though I know what you want regarding Mellondu's and Amroth's same-body tension, nobody but nobody writes it better than you. So phooey - - - and HALP! eek

Sorry about the darts and sleep and general dragged down-ness.

And friends - - - as much as I love moving the story, I also love not being the only one to do it! Post away! Be creative! Be daring! Try new things that may seem really daring - let the muse take you! But please, post....

...... or I may have to alliterate about how you prolixate;

or I could perpetuate and elucidate
the means by which I shall exonerate
the swamp elf's pate from the eight,
which will necessitate and prevaricate
such significated sensate abjectated,
frivolated, first mated, predated,
Tolkienated (yee ha! it's innate!) Hobbit plates
from noosbury stroodle to mushroom noodle.
et cetera et cetera et cetara ra ra ra!

[mark12_30]

Jorje, you da MUTT. :D

Immy-- good stuff.

[littlemanpoet]

Glad to see you posting, Orual! :)

Just one little thing to fix: Tharonwe and Mellonin (and merlocks) can only be seen in the minds' eyes of all the characters - he has not presented himself within range of voice or arrow.

[mark12_30]

But shoot, I ended where I did in order to give you a good reaction point

Well alrighty then. I'll take a stab at it.... especially since Ravion is now good and mad.

[Imladris]

I was reading through old posts and I came across this paragraph from post 470 (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=351556&postcount=470)

Nearby stood a slender darkhaired woman, and she held goose-feathers in her hands, reaching to him, beckoning him. "Fly to me, my Dark-love; return to me. Come back to me." She held out the feathers. Amroth reached for her, for the feathers.

Is this Nimrodel? Who is Dark-love (I can only think that it is Tharonwe but that seems a bit preposterous for me to assume so)? Or...is this something to be revealed later on?

Forgive my ignorance.

[mark12_30]

I'm loving all these posts! Alak, welcome back! Aylwen, lovely dream-weaving, and you too, Immy!



Is this Nimrodel? Who is Dark-love

The darkhaired woman is Mellonin ("LightLove"); and she is reaching out to Mellondu ("Darklove.") Lightlove and Darklove, or Mellonin and Mellondu, were their childhood nicknames which stuck, since they didn't feel comfortable with Finduilas and Fingon.

However, it is part of the 'tapestry-weaving' because the emotions are simliar, and Mellondu relates to Amroth's search. SO to Amroth, it has a Nimrodel-ish feeing to it (although, again, I was befuddled about Nimrodel's hair color, so if I had it to do over again, I would have started her out with some sort of golden halo... maybe the sun reflecting off of the water behind her giving her hair a golden appearance, or something... maybe I'll edit that...)

This would be the moment which Amroth would remember Mellonin from, and I should have picked up on it... would have been a nice touch. I just forgot. Wonder if I can tuck it in someplace.

[Imladris]

Whoa, I got that completely off base didn't I...

I also forgot that Mellonin and Mellondu weren't their real names...

*must learn to research before asking*

Sorry...and thanks.

[Orual]

Done and done! Thanks for the heads-up...I need to watch my details.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

About Nimrodel and Mithrellas--

For long years they dwell there, til they forget their names and take names given them by the dead.

Does this mean that they would not know their names in the dreams had by Bella and Gwyll?

Also...would Nimrodel respond to Bella if she spoke to her? I know it's just a dream, but I wanted to make sure...

Off to Southwestern day (my school is weird)!

-Aylwen

[littlemanpoet]

stunning writing, my friends!

I notice nobody seems ready to put words in Raefindan's mouth, or thoughts in his head. I guess I better get going on that myself....

[mark12_30]

Oh, Raefindan the noble! That does change things. At least it shakes things loose so there is a way to capture Tharonwe. I hope.

But lmp! His hand! Ædegard's hand?

Oh, my gosh.

Oh, my gosh, that is so gross.

*queasily goes to find some distracting and more pleasant thread before returning to this one*

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

His hand! Ædegard's hand?

Oh, my gosh.

Oh, my gosh, that is so gross.

Eek! :eek:

Oh...my...gosh...

*hyperventilates*

Whoa. His hand! What will Leafa think?

Oh, Nethwador is so sweet. :)

To actually have a point to this: GREAT POSTS YOU GUYS! :D

-Aylwen

[Nurumaiel]

Ædegard's hand! Oh my, the poor lad!

And now I've got to work out exactly how Leafa will react to it. I can't even imagine her 'snubbing' Ædegard because of it, but surely she will feel some aversion... not towards him, but towards what has happened to him, which might make her nervous about him. I have to think this out just a little.

Leafa's too sweet, meek, and loving to let something like that bother her for a long time, so it's going to be Freckles and the Angel in the long run, anyway, and more than likely in the short run.

[mark12_30]

Freckles and the Angel

Now it's my turn to say.... "Ruh??"

[mark12_30]

lmp and Orual-- I had a brainstorm, and put it up. We can leapfrog or edit or whatever is necessary...

Golly, I can hardly wait to find out what happens. Post, I say! Post!

ps. My neice-to-be won today in court. (!!!!!) There is a 30-day appeal period, and they expect an appeal, but hopes are high that the appeal will be denied (Please, God) and that my niece will be home for Christmas-- or close.

WOOT WOOT WOOT WOOT WOOT WOOT !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nurumaiel]

Helen, thank God for that! I won't cease in praying!

Freckles and the Angel... oh, 'tis one of the sweetest stories I've heard, for sure. Go here (http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=111). I found out recently that the copyright had expired so legally this book at least is online. Alas, no Keeper of the Bees.

There's been lovely posting from all sides. I feel only a quarter of a writer at the moment and 75% an intrigued, thrilled, excited reader.

[mark12_30]

Helen, thank God for that! I won't cease in praying!

Freckles and the Angel... oh, 'tis one of the sweetest stories I've heard, for sure. Go here (http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=111). I found out recently that the copyright had expired so legally this book at least is online. Alas, no Keeper of the Bees.

There's been lovely posting from all sides. I feel only a quarter of a writer at the moment and 75% an intrigued, thrilled, excited reader.

I haven't posted since this your last post, Nuru; and why, ye may be asking? It's the Freckles and the Angel have the blame of it. Faith, it's halfway through the book I am, and to set it aside for such a thing as sleep, why, tis more than a pity, it verges on outrage. Sleep! Instead of a story such as this? Indeed not, for I'd as soon feed my lunch to one of Freckles' great Black Chickens.

[mark12_30]

Nuru--

Wow.

Whatta story.

Now I can go to sleep and dream of emeralds and singing lessons.

[littlemanpoet]

Sorry for having mere dial-up - again! *grumble* I couldn't get on-line Friday morning to post into my save for Raefindan, and I'm sure it stymied some of you. For that I am most grievously sorry. And I'm quite amazed it let me on after 10 p.m. on any night. But it's cheap, so I put up with the inconveniences; not without a *grumble grumble*. Anyway, it's filled in now, and additional stuff is there to move that ol' plot forward yet again! yehaw!

[mark12_30]

Hail, o bandwidth-bound yet faithful ally! (And welcome back, Ædegard Erchamion.)

Between Erebemlin, Taitheneb, and Ravion, if the merlocks get within bowshot, they are pincushions. Are they within bowshot?

[Imladris]

Is Gwyllion dead or just crippled? I wasn't sure because of:

Mellonin and Leafa came into sight, frantically carrying Gwyllion between them, her arms hanging limp. Their faces were stained with tears

So...knocked our, or dead?

[mark12_30]

Earlier today lmp sent me this but I was away all day.....

littlemanpoet (10/25/2004 6:00:13 AM): Hi Helen, just a quicky before work. I can't log onto barrowdowns from here, but if you want to post this up for me at discussions: the women are close, since the swamp path twists and turns. So the merlocks are within bowshot, but there are a lot of them. I'm figuring about 40. Here's the deal: Tharonwe had promised them that they would receive one of the maidens for food. But now he has promised all four in trade for Raefindan. The merlocks figure this out, and are about to revolt, but Tharonwe tells them that he will not stand in the way of their feasting. So they rush madly after the women. Lucky for Bellyn and company, the path is narrow and she has only had to fight off one or two at a time; the swamp muck slows merlocks down as much as it would a duck (or whatever).

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Would it be stupid to ask how exactly Bellyn got a knife?

-Aylwen

Edit: *feels stupid*

Sorry...Very tired = many edits and stupid questions.

[mark12_30]

Tharonwe would have "woken up" any sleepers to send them back in exchange for Raefindan... Er, Roy Edwards.

I'm not sure about the knife -- unless Bella mugged Tharonwe and took it from him! :D

[mark12_30]

I don't see why not! Tharonwe has agreed to let the ladies go in exchange for Raefindan-- but them Merlocks are still mighty hungry. So yeah-- have some fun!

[littlemanpoet]

Clarification on the knife: The lead merlock wrested it from Tharonwe, none too pleased with its Elven overlord; Tharonwe admittedly did not put up any resistance to having the knife removed from his possession. The merlocks have decided that since this last of the maidens (Gwyllion) was captured by them separately, that Tharonwe's order not to harm them (much) did not apply to this one, and they did not entirely curb their cannibalistic appetites. Still fearing potential wrath from Tharonwe, they started with extremities, which is why Gwyllion was missing anything below one knee (sorry). Anyway, this lead merlock, in his ire, plunges the knife into Gwyllion's chest, killing her instantly. Mellonin, in a momentary fit of instinctive, unthinking, and ferocious loyalty, forces her way to Gwyllion and grabs her, and races away from the merlocks. She takes the knife from Gwyllion's chest and hands it to Bellyn, ordering her to bring up the rear as Leafa and she carry Gwyllion away from the merlocks. Does that work? I hope so, because Mellonin seems to be the most assertive of the women; and as things have turned out, Bellyn the most - er - healthy. You might take this as an opportunity, Aylwen, for Bellyn to realize that there are things about her that she had no idea...... growth of character type stuff, or on the other hand, Bellyn could feel that this was quite out of her element, and turn to angsty, contemplative remenations on why she was left unmarred while the others suffered or died. 'nuff said, I hope....

oh, one last thing. If there are 40 merlocks and just 4 maidens, it must surely mean that even Bellyn does not come away unscathed, but the path is narrow and it's kind of like how Jackson portrayed the hand to hand combat on that parapet at Helm's Deep: only two can attack Bellyn at any one time, and they don't like that knife. She's taller than they are, and so can outrun them - but she keeps catching up to Leafa and Mellonin carrying Gwyllion, and must turn and face the pursueing merlocks again... and again..l. and again. So Bellyn should have claw marks on her arms, maybe her face, but that would be it. And the other maidens will have claw marks all over their faces, arms, and their legs (or what's left of them in the late Gwyllion's case).

[mark12_30]

Aylwen-- it didn't seem so obvious to me! No reason to feel stupid, especially since-- you aren't.

:cool:

[littlemanpoet]

I'm posting this up for the general entertainment of the rest of you. It came out of a YIM with Helen, so it reads as only half a conversation. Anyway, here goes:

Tharonwe and Raefindan are going to find that what's left of the merlocks are very angry with Tharonwe, angry enough to revolt. ....which they more or less have started doing already.... So we shall have the women in the conditions I predicted, plus a few scratches.... Tharonwe can move more quickly than his merlocks, and can osanwe where they are, and has heightened senses anyway, so he is unlikely to be wounded by them. Raefindan may slow him down, but that's bad for Rae, not for Thar. Nevertheless, I see the merlocks being sooooooo angry that the chase Tharonwe out of the swamp... which sort of serves Tharonwe's purpose anyway, since he knew he'd have to keep an eye on Amroth's party once his bid for an oath to end the quest was foiled. So now...... Tharonwe finds Raefindan interesting.... and even likeable.... And Tharonwe actually turns out to be capable of engaging conversation.... Meanwhile, Raefindan is feeling very much out of time and place, and is quite reticent about where he comes from, now that it's all come back to him. Raefindan aka Roy Edwards understands the "butterfly effect", and decides that it is absolutely essential that he take as little action as possible so as not to alter the course of history. But this does not stop him from Dreaming.... So we can have the Mithrellas and Imrazor dreaming going on, because Tharonwe causes it - but is not able to completely control it - - he can't control the dreams if they are to work how he needs them to. Mithrellas would detect artificial dreams, and Tharonwe needs these dreams to be real, so he can't mess with them, only cause them.

[mark12_30]

This is great! Edge-of-the-seat stuff.

The elves being seriously distracted at the moment, since Amroth is submerged and Mellondu is barely alive. If the elves are persuasively rallied, they *might* leave Mellondu to deal with something else-- then again, last time someone was left, the consequences were bad, and they'll be edgy about that.

Nethwador is, for the moment, leaderless and baffled and on the fringe.

Time for the men to shine; I will post for Mellonin (hopefully today.)

[bolcotook]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!

Just because I love this game and you guys are the BEST.

[mark12_30]

*cough*

well, it's true.

[Nurumaiel]

Imladris, the very slightest of slight corrections. In your latest post you said:

Then he saw them: two girls: one brandishing a knife to keep the merlocks at bay, another stumbling as she carried his sister.

There are three girls (not counting Gwyl): two (Argeleafa and Mellonin) are carrying Gwyllion, and the other (Bellyn) has the knife.

I have a question (I think for littlemanpoet).

I've put up a SAVE for Leafa on the game thread, scheduled to be filled in when Aylwen's latest post is up, but before I write out my own post...

I'm assuming Leafa has already received her injury? In what form has her 'doom' come? I think the original plan was some sort of injury to the arm; have we gone with this?

I just want to know if she should be experiencing difficulties carrying Gwyllion with a hurt arm, spurred on by fear, etc. etc.

[alaklondewen]

Nuru, I think I can answer your question. This was in post #528...

He moved to Argeleafa and lifted her hair from her head to reveal her left ear. It was not there. Blood streaked her neck. 'He' being Tharonwe.

Yikes, what a bloody turn our journey has come to!

Also, just so the group knows what is going on. I've been very absent lately due to my work on my honors thesis. I'm almost through the writing process (my proposal draft is due on Friday), but it is taking an extreme amount of time away from other things. I've talked to Helen about this, but I just wanted let the everyone know as we are close group in this game.

With that said, I will be trying my best to post again over the weekend (after the draft is turned in). I will continue to be an avid and excited reader in the meantime, as this game still keeps me on the edge of my seat. :)

[Nurumaiel]

Thank you kindly, Alak!

Considering that it was so obvious, I will go sit with Aylwen and feel stupid, until Helen forcibily drags us from our miserable thoughts. ;) :D

I'm glad she's got one ear left. Would it not be a pity if she could never hear a song or the strains of a fiddle again?

Faith, but you've let me off easy! :D I had no idea how to write an injured arm; I've never had one and neither have any family members. But I happen to know a little hobbit-boy who can't hear with his left ear, so I have at least a little experience in the matter.

[mark12_30]

Bloody yes!!

If it isn't handled during the course of the game, I want an epilogue where Elessar comes and wipes these nassssssty merlocks off the face of Middle-Earth! And gives Tharonwe a thrashing, too!

I think he should ride a white horse to do it. :D

Oh, and while I'm at it, I'm putting up a save here ont he discussion thread just in case. *save*

:p

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Nurumaiel]

I'd be heartily glad if Elessar completely destroyed the merlocks. They remind me of the water-shrews from King Solomon's Ring who attempted to eat the frog alive. *shudder of horror*

My SAVE is filled. The long line is slowly disappearing... maybe I should put another one up for Liornung? :p :D

Thank you kindly, Aylwen! Fine post!

*trails off to contemplate how she is going to turn this into 'book form' at the close so the lads can read it easier* (It's awfully exciting; they'll want to read it.)

It's awfully hard turning it into 'book form,' you know. So many different points of view to intertwine in a flowing way. Maybe I'll just leave it as it is and let them go through it the same way I'm doing it. It works that way.... I'm not lost.

(Maybe you are with my senseless rambling :D)

[Orual]

My save is filled! Sorry about all the saves I've been putting up, but I have a limited amount of time online lately (I just opened in a show), and I want to be able to keep up with the action.

Great posts from everybody--I'm so enjoying this.

[Imladris]

Good luck with your show, Orual.

My save has been filled.

Nuru, I have fixed my post as well. :) Sorry about that....didn't you know that two and one = four??? ;)

[mark12_30]

I put a post about Mellonin into that very same slot I had used for my nonconformist comment. Gee, it did come in handy.

What will we do now that there are no saves to be filled in??

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Oooh, good. That congo line of saves was getting really crazy.

And I'm very proud of your non-conformist posting, Helen. ;)

What will we do now that there are no saves to be filled in??

Let's post without saves! YES! That's a good plan. Hopefully I can get one up tonight...Wednesdays are my free nights. :D

-Aylwen

[mark12_30]

Ripped out the last paragraph where Nethwador returned to Taitheneb. So Nethwador and Bella are still at the battleground.

[Orual]

Gwyllion's dead??

...Really?

Oh...

*cries softly*

But...anyway...great posts, everybody. I'm getting quite caught up.

[mark12_30]

I plan on keeping Erebemlin's involvement at the battleground minimal; his heart is back with Taitheneb and Mellondu-Amroth, and he will return to them as quickly as he may.

Most of Mellondu's energies right now are involved in keeping Amroth subdued and submerged.

Amroth is quite annoyed about this, but he has pushed the boy's body perilously close to death, and realises he is walking a fine line between the the wreckage of his quest at Tharonwe's hands, or the final end of his quest at Mellondu's death. He is laying low. If he tries hard to resurface, Mellondu's fever will spike into delirium.

I would guess that Liornung and Ædegard will be with Erebemlin helping Leafa? I left room for that, or tried to.

Erundil is at odds, at the moment. He may be the only person there with a somewhat objective view of things.

I don't imagine that they would want to bury poor Gwyllion in the swamp; they would want to get her to dry ground. The horses, however, have been run to the limit of their endurance; they must rest. If I were leading the company, I'd give them a full day, perhaps two (and I'd be annoyed with Amroth and the elves for pushing them.)

Given that it is winter, December, the ground will be hard in many places and they would have to search for a very sunny spot if they were to bury Gwyllion; a cairn might be a better option.

However, since it is December, keeping Gwyllion above ground for a day or two in the freezing temperatures won't be a problem; I imagine they would shroud her in a blanket and perhaps tie her onto a horse (unless they can cut some branches somewhere and make a travis?)

Between burying Gwyllion, keeping Mellondu alive, and getting everyone else treated and healed up, the band has quite a lot to do. I doubt they'll take the time to bury the twenty dead merlocks? And the other twenty merlocks are still at large (although those are now well-fed, having consumed their fallen companion, and will be even better fed once the band leaves the battlefield.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Ripped out the last paragraph where Nethwador returned to Taitheneb. So Nethwador and Bella are still at the battleground.

Yeah. I took advantage of that in my last post. :)

Nethwador can return to Taitheneb in your next post, if you wish it, or if you would like it better I can add to my post that he leaves to go with Taitheneb. Whatver you prefer...?

*yawns*

-Aylwen

[Nurumaiel]

I just wanted to put forth my ideas about the upcoming conflict that will arise between Ædegard and Argeleafa, for littlemanpoet's approval.

When Ædegard tells Leafa that he cannot marry her, due to the lack of a hand, she, being such a meek, timid, submissive girl, will give in, though sorrowful. They can be miserable for a time, and then Liornung will find out what's going on and he will take on the role he's had for a long time: the fiddler who's forever fixing up affairs between two young lovers. He might not fix things (right away?), but he'll certainly talk with both of them.

Will this contradict anything you had in mind? Is the idea all right in itself?

Beautiful posting, everyone. I'm sure Helen's awfully proud of you as a leader would be, and I'm awfully proud of you all as my fellow soldiers!

[littlemanpoet]

Nuru, I hope my post wasn't a little too - um - romantic.... :p

anyway, your ideas do sound good to me. They don't conflict with anything I'm thinking. But Ædegard isn't likely to bring up what's on his mind really quickly, because he is such a mull-er. So there may be plenty of opportunity for the two to read and mis-read each other before what they really think/feel comes to the surface.

Hope that works for ya! :)

[Nurumaiel]

Not too romantic, I think. There weren't any passionate speeches of love... that might puzzle Leafa a bit. :D

It all sounds good.

This couple sure does have to go through a lot, don't they?

It's a good thing Liornung's around. :p :D

[mark12_30]

I'm stalled a bit because I had YIM'ed with alak and she had been planning for Erebemlin to round everybody up and move camp away from the battleground, hopefully southward-- is that away from the merlocks at this point, lmp? I hope so. I'm not sure if Erebemlin's move has happened yet? I may take the liberty just to push things along. And I think if we do move, it won't be *that far* (Very tired horses, very tired campers) and Mellonin and Mellondu won't wake up at all. I imagine Erebemlin would carry Mellondu (i.e. hold him in front of him as he rode) and Ravion would carry Mellonin (same way.)

Or, we could have a protracted argument about the move, decide against it much to Erebemlin's annoyance, post an elvish guard-- Taitheneb and Erebemin could take turns-- and everyone else could sleep by the fire. The fire is at least several bowshots away from the battleground.

[alaklondewen]

Helen, Erebemlin has taken charge and given orders to move.

I have given enough room that if anyone wishes to argue with him...it is very possible. I do think that they really do need to move as it seems they are still awfully close, and it may help psychologically, too, to put some distance between the events and their campsite. This, of course, is open to debate.

Aylwen, I hope Bellyn will tell Erebemlin of her dream. I think it will be a reminder to him to continue the quest, even if Amroth is not "present".

[littlemanpoet]

I tried to post this yesterday but my internet service was uncooperative.

The way I see it, the humans are all pretty demoralized after the loss of Gwyllion and the wounds to all who received them, not to mention the loss of Raefindan to Tharonwe's schemes. In such a state, I can't think of anyone to get in an argument with Erebemlin that might otherwise in a more rested and brighter frame of mind.

The merlocks will be quite busy feeding on their own. They are not stupid. They saw how easily they were picked off by the group of humans and Elves and do not relish another attack when there is more than enough to eat. The strongest motivation that they have at this point, after sating their lust for biped flesh, is revenge against Tharonwe for betraying them into the slaughter they have experienced.

That's my take, at any rate, so go with Erebemlin leading the group out of the swamp.

Tharonwe and Raefindan are, and will be, farther out of the swamp than the group. Maybe one of the Rangers will pick up their trail, if they happen across it (something that Tharonwe has considered, and is therefore pushing ahead quickly, since he's sure that Amroth is still heading toward Nimrodel).

Which means, come to think of it, that Tharonwe is more or less leading the group to Nimrodel. Whether they would think of that or not is in doubt. Whether Tharonwe would think of this and stop, has yet to be determined. Any thoughts?

[mark12_30]

Which means, come to think of it, that Tharonwe is more or less leading the group to Nimrodel. Whether they would think of that or not is in doubt. Whether Tharonwe would think of this and stop, has yet to be determined. Any thoughts?

Begin Tuppence:

I think that the elves, remembering how eager Amroth was to confront Tharonwe, would want to avoid letting him get too far away, in case Amroth resurfaced. I don't think it would be an avid pursuit.

Nimrodel is still in South Gondor, in the regions of the paths of the dead. I'm imagining that, if they knew they were headed to South Gondor, the group will head towards Mindolluin rather than crossing the White Mountains in winter? And I don't see the Gondorians objecting to that; how the Rohirrim will feel about it is another question.

Perhaps the Gondorians (Especially Erundil and Ravion) see their duty to return home and report what they have seen? The elves don't argue since Tharonwe is going that way. Mellondu and Mellonin are not sorry to be headed home-- that is, Mellondu isn't sorry until he has more dreams about Nimrodel.

I'm not sure what Aeron would think about returning to Gondor... Immy?

I've got to get back into having my characters dreaming... perhaps when Erebemlin is happily setting up camp further from the battleground.

End tuppence.

[Imladris]

I'm not sure what Aeron would think about returning to Gondor... Immy?

Aeron won't care....he never really did care where he went as long as he didn't get in trouble...but even the merchant won't scare im now.

[littlemanpoet]

Tharonwe is the name given to the swamp Elf to characterize him as less than noble, if I recall rightly. What does the name mean?

I need a name for this Elf that he would consider more appropriate for himself, with which to represent himself to Nimrodel and Mithrellas. I can't imagine a suitor saying, "Hi, I'm Mr. Dirty Sniping Rat. May I court you?"

What are the naming practices of Elves? What would the swamp elf have been named by someone who had the right and caring to name him well?

[mark12_30]

Ummmm... You tell us? It's easier to come up with something if we have a direction to look in.

Something character-driven?

Or something environmental: Legolas means "Grean Leaf". Really quite humble for a prince...

Physical characteristic? Glorfindel means "Golden Hair."

[littlemanpoet]

These come to mind - in a sort of stream of consciousness.

Quick silver

Silver dusk

Quick dusk

I lean toward the middle one, except that it loses the sense of quickness that Tharonwe has exhibited, and it just feels like he has. You might say quickness of thought is one of his greatest strengths. But quick silver is too stereotypical for my liking. Quick dusk is laughable. At least, to me.

Quick silver dusk?

______ celeb lomë?
______ celeb moth?

curu - skill?
maeg - sharp?

Maegeleb?
Curuceleb?
Curumoth?
Maegelebomë?
Maeglebomë?

[mark12_30]

I like Sharpsilver. A compliment intellectually-- but a little frightening in general.

[littlemanpoet]

Maegeleb, then. Sharpsilver. That was really my first choice from a sound-out point of view too. :)

[mark12_30]

1. All of Gondor is slow this week-- it's not just us.
2. I feel rather stalled out, and i think I'm not alone.
3. The last time I felt this stalled out was when I posted this (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=355284&postcount=556)... So...

(Lord, what's next? Where does all this go, or when do we weave it back into the plan as defined? How do we take care of all the maimed and the dead, and how do we get Raefindan back and capture Tharonwe? And.... what else? Inspire all of us, please...)

[mark12_30]

Good stuff, Orual. I'll be sleeping on that, and post tomorrow. It's past me bedtime!

X^o

[Imladris]

My save as of yesterday has been filled...

[alaklondewen]

As of yesterday, my computer has grown quite ill and I am unable to turn it on. :( I have placed a save on the board for Erebemlin that I will fill in the few days. I have had another computer offered to me while I make arrangements for mine to be checked and fixed, but I will have to travel to obtain it. Hopefully, I will be able to pick it up this weekend and not miss anything.

Wonderful posting, everyone...I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens to Rae...I'm mean Roy.

[mark12_30]

Orual,

Mellondu does not yet know what to think of Ravion; but he is quite close to his sister, and could get very defensive of her and very suspicious of Ravion's intentions. Or they could get along well. Who knows? I don't, yet.

Everyone:

At this moment, looking at the story, I have the sense that Amroth is not to be driving the plot, not yet. I am looking for more input from Ravion, the elves, and the men-folk: Ædegard, Liornung, Argeleafa, Bella. And what of Aeron? Where will he go, what will he do? Will he follow anybody at all?

Will the group unite in the attempt to free Raefindan? Or will a few pursue him, and the rest depart?

And (perhaps more to the point) when and if Raefindan is freed, what then?

Amroth is submerged; Mellondu is found; Gwyllion is dead; Ædegard and Argeleafa are maimed. Why go any further? From a mannish perspective, for all but Mellondu, the quest is done-- Mellondu is found and re-united with his sister.

(Taitheneb and Erebemlin are another matter; I think they will hang on to hope with The Patience Of The Elves.)

Those men (Nethwador and Bella come to mind) whose allegiance was fixed on Amroth, may coast on that old allegiance for a while yet; but eventually, unless Amroth resurfaces, they will now be either leaderless, or they must adopt Erebemlin as their leader; either way, a choice must be made.

Mellondu is relaxed and easy-going, generally speaking.

I wonder if it's time for a sort of 'council-of-elrond' chapter. Otherwise, it seems to me that the group would splinter and much of the Rohan group would go home. If the Rohirric men-folk remain on the quest, they each need a new Reason, or, an assurance (for Bella and Nethwador) that their old purpose is still good.

Amroth had a link with Raefindan, and that was what got us to this point; but Amroth is now submerged. If the Rohirrim are to stay and pursue Raefindan, I think that must come from Ravion at this point; and he must be persuasive about it. Mellonin (when she wakes up) will also plead for Raefindan; but with everything that she has put everyone else through, especially the death of Gwyllion, she will plead and not demand.

[Nurumaiel]

Well, Liornung for one isn't going home. He has the Ballad to spur him on, and his promise to Good Secgrof. That promise is enough to give him an allegiance of a sort to Amroth. He has no certainty that thing won't start happening sooner or later, and he has no real reason to return to his home, for his home is the road.

Argeleafa will go where Ædegard goes, or at least until he tells her he can't marry her.

Liornung isn't going to have too much to do with any of the decision-making, for he doesn't feel quite qualified, but he feels the group is choosing something radically wrong, he'll speak up.

Now I'll go see if I can work in a post.

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks, alak, for your interestin Rae/Roy. :)

I don't see it quite the way you do, Helen.

The Rohan group were in this for Amroth (Mellondu). As for Ædegard, Béthberry's admonition of a "meant-to-beness" (or something to that effect) stuck with him, and he is in this to follow it through. I think it's the same for all the Rohan group, that they're in to help Amroth find Nimrodel....it's what he's been talking about since the get-go.

The Gondor group's task is the one that's ended: Mellonin and Mellondu are reunited... but Mellondu has this Elf spirit inhabiting him, and that will affect each Gondor group character according to their lights as individuals and as characters.

[mark12_30]

Okay.

[Orual]

So sorry about my flakiness! Things have been a little crazy lately, but crazy in a good way...either way, one thing led to another and I completely flaked on you guys. My apologies, and my thanks to lmp for helping me out. (Could you actually see the relief on my face? :D )

Since we're discussing plans, I'll chip in my two cents as to Ravion. His original mission--helping Mellonin find Mellondu--has been accomplished. However, he will, once everyone is healed enough to travel, want to find Raefindan. When that's accomplished, I think his motivation will have a lot to do with what Mellonin wants. However, if I don't continue to flake and Ravion develops a friendship with Mellondu, he'll probably want to help Mellondu in his own journey, especially considering Ravion's gratitude for Mellondu helping to save Mellonin.

And Aeron is also a consideration, as Ravion feels responsible for him, and guilty about Gwyllion's death.

[alaklondewen]

May I ask which direction Maegeleb and Roy are headed? I see we are still in the swamp for the time being, but where are they headed? Is it to the Southwest?

Thanks in advance. :)

[littlemanpoet]

Tharonwe and Raefindan are headed south. Tharonwe knows where Nimrodel is, and that's where he's going. The only way to get there is to go by Minas Tirith. So for the party that started in the Seven Star Inn (or whatever it's called), it'll seem like a trip in reverse!

[Imladris]

I guess I should say what's going on with Aeron.

He doesn't know where he's going, so that means I don't know either.

Think twig in a rapid river. He'll go with whoever will take him -- as long as it's not Ravion or Raefindan. Dang...they have got to make up.... ;)

[alaklondewen]

Thanks, lmp.

With that my SAVE is filled, and I have a reliable computer until mine is fixed. (Thank you, Lord.)

[littlemanpoet]

I have an idea for getting us out of our writing funk.....

The Entwash must have a "river daughter", and she could live in a quiet little college just off a ways from the path entrance to the swamp where the main party is headed. The party could really stand some healing, some tlc, and some lifted spirits. I was thinking that she is like Goldberry, but different for being associated with the swamp and the Entwash, with its beginnings in Fangorn. I had thought of two names: Daylily, and Marigold.

Is this okay with people? Maybe she can even heal Mellonin's face so there will be no scar; not to mention, healing some much beleaguered spirits.... and she has no mate, so who knows what might not happen between a single Elf and a river daughter?...... ;)

[mark12_30]

See?

Can't beat this team with a stick.

A time of healing sounds good to me.

How'd you know Goldberry is my new favorite LOTR minor? Melian for Sil.

I'll leave the romance bit up to Alak. How about some Impartation for Bella?

[alaklondewen]

I think this is definitely an idea I could be excited about. And romance? Hmm...*rubs chin* we shall see how Erebemlin would react to such a woman. :)

[mark12_30]

The Entwash must have a "river daughter", and she could live in a quiet little college just off a ways from the path

Okay. Pleading ignorance: Whatsa Middle-Earth "college (http://machaut.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/WEBSTER.sh?WORD=college)"? Somehow a professorized institution of higher learning seems out of place in an Entwash Swamp. "Thick as the college of the bees in May"?

I thought The River Daughter would live alone.... no?

[littlemanpoet]

Whatsa Middle-Earth "college"?

Did I write that? Good grief! Obviously (at least to me) I meant "cottage". I can only attribute this new and latest spelling mishap to dying brain cells. Honest, I used to be top-notch at spelling, never even mixing up to, too, and two, nor there, their, and they're; I'm in really deep you know what if I'm mixing cottage and college! Ack. Put me in diaper, pajamas, bathrobe, and slippers, for I'm goin' downhill fast! :D

[mark12_30]

Cottage? Hmmm. No, I don't think it was a speling misteak. Too far off. Had to be a freudian sleep.

Perhaps you were thinking she would be well acquainted with the local college of fish.

Or maybe she was the Dean of Riverology at Ent U... quite bored since the stream of Entings dried up. Just imagine how delighted she'll be to see us coming!

[littlemanpoet]

I'm hoping the delight will be mutual. Freudian sleep? Owtch! :p

Okay, just to give you all an idea of what I'm thinking for Marigold. This is not set in stone, just mud (it is a swamp after all).

Marigold is riverdaughter of the Entwash. Since Goldberry's parentage is no clearer than that, Marigold's need not be either. Just what a riverdaughter is, is really left to the imagination. I suppose one could say that it's the spirit of the river... but not really, since she is called its daughter rather than its fëa.

Anyway, Marigold does partake of the authority of Tom Bombadil, the way I'm writing her, such that she is Lady of her realm, able to command both living and dead as to her will. Other than that, she is much like Goldberry.... except that she is mostly associated with the swamps of the Entwash. Perhaps the Entwash that travels through the plains of Rohan has a different river daughter (?)

At any road, I see the Elves being rather bemused and taken with her, for she is a frank personification of a part of Middle Earth. She does not fit into their osanwe any more than Tom fit into the dynamics of the Ring. So I'm thinking that her mind is closed to them, and vice versa. Yet she likes Elves because they hold life dear, even swamp life.

Right now she wears a crone persona - just thought I'd like to do that - but she is not limited to that. She is older than most Elves, as I've indicated, calling Tharonwe a stripling!

Finally, I broke off where I did in order to let those of you who wish, to have whatever kinds of reactions you would like to her. Have fun!

:)

[littlemanpoet]

Alak, that was a gorgeous post! You did better than I would have with the setting of Marigold's abode.

I'm saving for right after Imadris, in which I plan to have Marigold revealed as an ageless woman, able to appear as crone, young, or what have you.

I also plan to have her show compassion to Aeron for Gwyllion, and for her to offer her home as Gwyllion's final place of rest.

I've been thinking that Marigold might "explain" herself as daughter of Ulmo and Entwash.

If any of you have any other ideas as to what Marigold could and/or should be like, please speak up.

[alaklondewen]

Alak, that was a gorgeous post!

Thank you very much, lmp. :)

I am leaving in a few minutes to go home for Thanksgiving, so I will not be able to post until Friday or Saturday. I do hope the travelers will still be with Marigold, because I would like find out how Erebemlin feels about her.

Have a nice holiday!

Alak

[mark12_30]

lmp, a comment. The use of the word 'crone' has been bugging me. Could we not have Marigold using that word directly? And could we maybe even remove the word completely? To me it conjures up dusty literary analysis and jungian archetypes rather than the shimmering of faerie. Can she talk about "wearing this form" or "Taking this shape" instead? Something less... well, you know. Analytical. What's the word? Anthropological?

[littlemanpoet]

Minor quibble: archetypes were mythic before they were Jungian. Isn't fantasy the appropriate abode for archetypes? But I'll remove the word.

[mark12_30]

You're the best. Thanks. And thanks for putting up with my jungian overlay of mythological genres. Or something like that. :rolleyes:

[littlemanpoet]

Hmm.... I had not meant to suggest that Mellonin was ignoring Mellondu, but it makes for an interesting conflict to be explored.

Immy, I should have said something about this. I had hoped you would pick up on a chance for Aeron to experience the wonder of the natural kind of Art that is Tolkien's "magic" in Middle Earth, if one could call it that. You instead chose for Aeron to be consumed by his grief - which is probably quite true to character. Maybe that sense of wonder could come before he takes his leave from Marigold? Of course, you don't have to pick up on that if you don't want to. My fault for not explaining what I was trying to do.

I'll be away from home over the holiday, and will only be able to read what others write, having thoroughly misplaced my password. :p I suppose I can do without for about four days. When I come back, I'll pick up Raefindan again.... it would be about time, no? Carry on!

[Imladris]

I had hoped you would pick up on a chance for Aeron to experience the wonder of the natural kind of Art that is Tolkien's "magic" in Middle Earth, if one could call it that. You instead chose for Aeron to be consumed by his grief - which is probably quite true to character.

Well...a few things. *tries to think how to word this* Bluntly put, Aeron doesn't see any magic...he doesn't see forgiveness (yes, it is rather pig headed of him)...and I myself, am not entirely sure what you are thinking of...forgive me.

[littlemanpoet]

Forgiven! Of course! And unnecessary. Thanks for giving me a better understanding of Aeron. Now I feel sorry for him! :(

As for what I mean, I think the best way for you to grasp that would be to read the section of LotR in which Goldberry plays a part.

[mark12_30]

A grim question: How long will Gwyllion 'snooze' by the warm, cozy hearth? She's been dead an entire day.

Even a deer...

:confused: :(

[littlemanpoet]

Marigold has "quickened" the body of Gwylllion, as it were. It will not decompose, but remain whole. How long? A long, long, long time. If Aeron agrees, the burial will be in the morning. Sound good?

[Imladris]

Sorry I've been absent....I have been rather sick...and inspiration is a bit on the low side. Lousy excuse and my apologies for that as well...

[mark12_30]

Awful quiet.

Maybe I'll do a single post for all of my characters-- like this--

Celegoer: "Damp around here."
Nethwador: "Zzzzzz."
Echo: "Damp around here."
Mellondu: "Zzzzzz."
Amroth: "Dark in here."
Nimrodel: "Dusty out here."
Mellonin: "Zzzzzz."

Meanwhile: Alak? Helloooooo....?

[alaklondewen]

So sorry for delay. This is the end of the semester and I have four papers due in the next two weeks.

lmp, I cut kind of short, because I'm not sure how Marigold will respond to Erebemlin. I just wasn't comfortable writing her reaction. I will certainly continue to keep up the scene even if my posts are somewhat short, so don't write me out just yet. ;)

[littlemanpoet]

Alak, I hope I've done you justice. Let me know if not.

[Orual]

Ready or not, Mellonin!

Helen, you can steer it however you want--I didn't fail to notice the twist you brought into your last post, so you can either direct the conversation to Ravion's confession, or to the twist. Whichever you think would be better for where we are now.

[mark12_30]

We can leave the twist dangling in the air for the moment. But shall we torment Ravion a bit more? Mellonin is so good at changing the subject, and perhaps Ravion won't be able to voice his deeper thoughts after all. Maybe he tries valiantly to bring it back around and he's just on the verge, when Raefindan gets mentioned?

But (then again) the longer that's delayed, the higher Mellonin can fly and farther she can fall.

Am I overly indulgent with Melodrama...? Be honest.

[littlemanpoet]

Now that it is morning in Marigold's cottage, I would like for Ravion to suddenly notice that Mellonin's ragged wound from brow to lip, has been replace by new, pink skin, soft as a newborn baby's, and that is the only way it can be differentiated from the rest of her face. Mellonin will still feel it to be quite tender to the touch - that is, sensitive - but that will fade to normal in a day or so also.

It was not my intention for Marigold to have this healing capacity, but it just worked out that way. Go figure.... :rolleyes:

[mark12_30]

Morning already? I had lost track. All right.

Speaking of losing track: Although I am uncertain how the team will drive southward, when we finish our stay at Marigold's hut, we will head south. I am thinking of procuring horses for all and sundry. Marigold would not help with that, I think, but the elves might be successful in striking some deal as they go south through Gondor. Once everyone is mounted, south we go.

I'm hoping to finish the game by Winter's end (sometime around March 21, or 25 if that seems more fitting.) I need to sit down one of these days (before or shortly after we leave Marigold's place) and once again figure out the dates and times of travel; thirty to fifty miles a day, from Entwash to Edhellond. I had hoped to have some other forays along the way, but at our current rate it would extend the game another couple of years. So for wahtever reason, the path to Edhellond will be a lot straighter than I had originally planned; maybe because Tharonwe is leading them there (although he is on foot, unless he and Raefindan steal a pair of horses. Hah! They could steal that Merchant's black stallion...)

How precisely to work in the Stone of Erech, I still have to decide.

In the meantime: we are at Marigold's house.
How long will we be there?
What are the things that we want to happen while we are there?
How will we know that it is time to leave?

Other thoughts/ ideas/ concerns/ questions?

[littlemanpoet]

The burial must take place first. Aeron must decide if he stays or goes. Marigold will give them traveling food and fit them with better gear as needed; not weapons, but wholesome kinds of things. Be creative with that. I should expect the group can leave any time this new day, or first thing in the morning the following, whatever we prefer to do.

At some point Tharonwe is going to get captured by the main group, and Raefindan will re-incorporate with them either smoothly or not, depending on whatever factors crop up. So stealing a mount will not happen, I'm thinking. Tharonwe is not trying to avoid capture; he sees ways in which being amongst his enemis could be quite useful.

[littlemanpoet]

I see my error, Helen. I hadn't expected Mellonin to wake up until the next morning. Since she woke up, I assumed it was morning. You didn't see it that way, did you?

I can fix my posts to make it still night time, if that would work better. I think it woul make for a lot of interesting dream sequences, - - - Marigold-influenced dream sequences. We ought to make something of that. Then the group can leave the next day after the burial. How's that?

[mark12_30]

OK! Sounds good.

[littlemanpoet]

Immy, I hope I have not abused your characters. I felt like things needed a little jump start. If you want anything changed (or deleted), just let me know and I'll do it.

Let's have some Goldberry type dreams, everybody. Those of you who have connected up to the Nimrodel stuff, please do a dream sequence like that.

I can imagine that Elves have wakeful dreams, Alak. How about giving it a try? Maybe I'll post something up as an example, and you can let me know what you think (such as "man, LMP sure has some nerve!). :p

Helen has been ill and finally knows why (something like lyme disease), and that explains why she's been having trouble helping move Tapestry along.

Anyway, Helen and I are thinking that after the dream sequences, I'll have Marigold to a Goldberry type washing day, then there will be the burial, then Aeron will decided whether he stays with Marigold or continues with the group, and then the group will take off after Tharonwe and Raefindan.

[mark12_30]

My save is at last filled in.

lmp, I love the old lady in the snow. Nice touch. Very nice touch.

And now my pillow calls.

[mark12_30]

Hey lmp,

It seems to me that Amroth's dream (just posted) belongs before breakfast... But it needs the snow. And Ædegard's introduction is so perfect. But I still think the dream needs to be before breakfast. (Although after the snowy gravediggging would be a nice touch, if Mellondu was still asleep.) Any ideas? Could Ædegard maybe come back in, see that many still sleep, and then the dream, and then breakfast...?

--help

[littlemanpoet]

I'll cut out the last bit about breakfast and announcement of the burial. I was trying to push things ahead to spark some interest of the others in the moving plot, but that is no longer necessary.

[mark12_30]

Thanks.

Ædegard could wake Mellondu; he would appreciate it. He's not thrilled about drowning yet again. THen he and Mellonin can commiserate about bad dreams, and realise that Raefindan's been loitering outside an awfully long time.

[mark12_30]

Sometimes I wish Mellonin would level out. Thank God for Nethwador. He reminds me of Gamba... a lot.

[Orual]

I've finally posted! This weekend was crazy (running tech--both matinee and evening performances all weekend), and I had no internet time. Let me know if there was anything else that needed to be addressed in my post that I didn't get to.

[littlemanpoet]

I'm away from home and BD without a password memorized - through the weekend. Merry Christmas to all!

[Nurumaiel]

We're going off to the Christmas Eve Mass in just a few minutes, and we'll be busy from then on, so I'll give it to you early rather than late.

Merry Christmas!

And from our very own Tiny Tim: "God bless us, everyone!"

[littlemanpoet]

Sorry, Imladris! I just can't help myself! I see Aeron as at the most interesting place right now! And I got inspired. If you want me to change anything, please let me know.

The burial will be coming soon, at which time each character will have the opportunity to say something about Gwyllion (how I wish Raefindan was near!). Please give thought to what your character would/will say.

[littlemanpoet]

I edited my post # 613 so that Ravion and Erundil would be present for Aeron to exchange glances at the appropriate moment.

Now it's time for words spoken of the newly deceased.

[mark12_30]

Mellonin is tongue tied at the moment.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

I hope it is all right that Bellyn spoke first -- if not, just let me know and I can delete the post. :D

Happy early New Year, everyone.

-Aylwen

[littlemanpoet]

Nice start, Aylwen! Delete? Heck no! The "looks like mother" part was quite throat clenching. Change nothing!

I feel, friends, that not only did we have the holidays, but we've been putting ourselves through a very difficult piece of rpg-ing with writing through the death, mourning, and burial of a beloved character. Imladris, I imagine this has been especially difficult for you. Maybe it has been a slow process, but that may have been for the best. I congratulate you all on what you've been able to add to this during this busy season.

:) LMP

[Imladris]

Imladris, I imagine this has been especially difficult for you.

Yes...it has. I never knew what to do with Aeron...I have never experienced a loved one die so I was at quite a loss. And I am very sorry that I did not do more -- that I did not develope Aeron's grief more --...it was simply because I did not know what to do. But you have all carried him so well....thank you.

[littlemanpoet]

I hope alak is ok with me putting words in her two Elves' mouths. Also, I hope Nuru is okay with me giving Leafa some words.

Excellent posting everyone. I know this burial and funeral is hard work. Nuru, that was an especially moving song! Well done!

Immy, I'm willing to speak for Aeron if you want me to, but I'd like to give you the chance first. Tell you what, I'll post for Aeron on Monday unless I learn different from you or see you post instead in the meantime, okay? After that, if there's anything you want me to change, we can always do that.

I still have to think about Raefindan. I was having real difficulty thinking of things for Maegeleb to look for, but maybe I can think of something. - LMP

[Imladris]

I will try to get a post up for him....

I just have to think about it....but I will....

[littlemanpoet]

Marigold gave Aeron the lock of hair so that Gwyllion's ghost may follow him wherever he goes; otherwise it would be drawn constantly back to the body until it goes beyond the walls of the world.

The party will now eat lunch in an informal wake, then pack for their continued trip. It just occurred to me that Marigold could have small gifts for each of them, but I'm not sure I'm up to thinking them all up! I better concentrate on Tharonwe and Raefindan. :p

After lunch and packing, the party will leave, I suppose, heading south, the Elves following the thought of Raefindan. I'd say they are maybe a day's ride behind them. So they would catch them up late the following day. Sound good?

[mark12_30]

I wouldn't worry about the gifts-- Goldberry didn't give any.

But a song would be good, and maybe a parting shot with the weather.

[mark12_30]

What is going to drive this story now that Amroth is submerged?

--foggy

[littlemanpoet]

1. The word of those who made their promises to help him find Nimrodel.

2. Also, Ædegard's oath. That will drive the story too.

3. Characterization - after the manner of fantasy would be cool - see this thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=11536) if you want to know what I mean. For example, how do various characters mirror others? We've already set up some interesting pairings: Ravion and Mellonin; Aeron and Gwyllion (still works with her ghost); Aeron and Ravion; Liornung and Leafa; Ædegard and Leafa; Bellyn and Nethwador; Nethwador and Amroth; Erebemlin and Taitheneb. Mellondu and Mellonin. Mellondu and Ravion! Just to name a few. What are the primary "types", if you will, of each character? I'll take a stab, and correct me as you wish:

Raefindan: noble foreigner
Aeron: irascible youth
Ædegard: traditional Rohirrim
Leafa: tentative sweetheart
Liornung: lighthearted minstrel
Ravion: flawed leader
Erundil: wise counsellor
Amroth: resolute hero
Erebemlin: distant but loyal Elf-lord
Taitheneb: approachable Elf
Mellonin: passionate sister
Mellondu: protective brother
Bellyn: thoughtful friend
Nethwador: intense youth

Who did I miss? How might these various characters reveal/mirror others?

4. New people? We don't have to, but that notion is what brought Marigold into being.

5. For the Elves, trying to unsubmerge Amroth - and Mellondu's resistance?

[mark12_30]

OK.

Next question-- Who is still here?

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

*raises hand* I'm still here!

:D

-Aylwen

[Imladris]

I'm here too....even though I post much less frequently than I used to...

[alaklondewen]

I am here also, and will continue to be. :)

~Alak

[Orual]

Present, just at a loss on the game thread!

[Nurumaiel]

Here, and to the bitter end... I mean, the happy end... we are going to have a happy ending, aren't we?

I think we have quite a few things that we can use to struggle (skip easily!) onward.

There's Ædegard and Leafa... the way I understood it he was going to have some doubts about marrying her with the loss of his hand... and she's just the type to submit meekly after saying once that it doesn't matter to her.

There's the possibility of a romance between Bellyn and Nethwador, whether happy or sad.

Liornung is, as ever, willing to step in and help the poor little lads and lassies.

And the Gondorian and Rohirric folk still need to get better acquainted with each other. Liornung will have a wonderful time pressing them for their own native songs, and he wouldn't mind in the least counseling them in their little troubles and doubts.

Yes, Ædegard's oath... and, if I may say so, Leafa's worry over and disapproval of it.

As far as the mirroring and revealing goes, I think Ædegard and Leafa are a very interesting pair. They're in love with each other... and it's rather crazy that they are! Ædegard is bold (that is, he isn't shy) and brave; Leafa is very shy and quite timid. Ædegard is very traditional; Leafa is from (gasp) a wayfarer band. Ædegard is the type to make an oath like the rather worrying one he did; Leafa wouldn't even consider doing anything of the sort. Ædegard, being traditional, is slightly prejudiced against outsiders; Leafa welcomes all with open arms.

(By the way, lmp, forgive me if I've misinterpreted Ædegard)

Reflecting over their differences, it seems rather crazy that they could be in love with each other, and it seems impossible that they could ever be happily married. But, on second thoughts, it doesn't seem so crazy. For my part, I know many happy couples that are just like that (for example, one is pessimistic and panics easily and the other one is very optimistic and always keep cool). They counter-act each others' faults in a manner that helps them solve difficult problems and come out as a very strong pair. Ædegard and Leafa have this potential too.

Ahem!

Must cease in my rambling observations.

[mark12_30]

Must cease in my rambling observations.

On the contrary.

[Imladris]

Yes, Ædegard's oath... and, if I may say so, Leafa's worry over and disapproval of it.

I'm thinking that this oath could make quite a climatic end to this story. Aeron, though he thinks little of it now, will definitely want to think twice before killing the elf . Also from the elves experiences with rash oaths (*sniffs for poor Fingolfin and Feanor*) I'm sure that there might be a delightful conflict that could lead to a eucataastrophe -- but brighter minds than mine will have figure out how to do that.

How old is Nethwador?

[mark12_30]

I waffle about Nethwador's age. Somewhere between fifteen and eighteen. Would Bella mind if he was still sixteen? I'd prefer as close to sixteen as I can get him. He's smallish, too, from living off of slim pickings on the plains.


Name: Bellyn, or “Bella”
Age: 18 or so
Race: Gondorian
Gender: Female

[Nurumaiel]

For he is only sixteen years and I am... er... eighteen.

Keep this in mind, Bella, when deciding if you care that Nethwador is younger than you or not.... Leafa is older than Ædegard.... by just a leetle bit.

Imladris, you're right, Ædegard's oath could be a great (and terrible, from the in character point of view) thing for the story. Except, hear ye all and take warning... Liornung and I are going to shed bitter tears and go off to play lonely songs on our fiddles if Ædegard and Leafa don't have a happy ending.

And I hope we're going to have a scene with them heading home, whether it ends just there or it ends after they get home. I few months ago I learned a beautiful 'going home' song and I want Liornung to sing it.

By the way, for more light-hearted plot movement (seeing as we're looking at romance troubles and terrible oaths right now), perhaps the characters could spend a little bit of time helping Liornung out with the Ballad.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Would Bella mind if he was still sixteen?

Eh. I've heard of bigger gaps than two years (give or take). My friend's grandparents were fourteen years apart! :eek:

If they really loved each other I highly doubt Bella would mind two years. ::shrug::

Where to next, exactly? Off to find the elf and Raefindan? What about Nimrodel? Would Amroth reemerge if they were not searching for Nimrodel?

-Aylwen

[mark12_30]

Fortunately for the storyline, Swampy and Raefindan are in pursuit of Nimrodel themselves. So if we are following Raefindan, and hence Swampy, he will more or less lead us to Nimrodel.

Amroth cannot re-emerge without Mellondu's permission. Here's the trick: Mellondu *likes* dreaming about Nimrodel. Right now he's still quite angry about Amroth's willingness to sacrifice Mellonin to the swamp elf (Maegeleb, isn't it?). But that anger will slowly fade, because Mellondu doesn't stay mad at anyone for very long.

He is not uninterested in finding Nimrodel.

[littlemanpoet]

How many horses do we have? Who is riding with whom? I've lost track.

Raefindan and Tharonwe are on foot ahead.
Mellondu (Amroth) and Mellonin ride Echo.
Ædegard has his mount, the name of which I forget off hand.

What of ...
Aeron
Leafa
Liornung
Ravion
Erundil
Erebemlin
Taitheneb
Bellynd
Nethwador?

[alaklondewen]

Erebemlin and Taitheneb each have their own horse. :)

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

...I'm pretty sure both Bella and Liornung left home on horses.

From a short distance, two more riders were watching Ædegard take his leave. The one, being Liornung, touched the shoulder of the other, being Bellyn, and gestured to the group of people and horses.

Unless I've totally missed something and we've ditched our horses completely?

I hope not...poor horses...

;)

-Aylwen

[mark12_30]

Nethwador has his lanky chestnut (Name___).

Ravion has Gond.

Erundil previously had no horse, he must be riding behind or with somebody.
Aeron previously had no horse, he must be riding behind or with somebody.
Mellonin had no horse which is why she is behind Mellondu on tall chestnut Echo (originally Ædegard's packhorse. Generous Ædegard/ pesumptuous Amroth. )

The Rohan group was all mounted, but the Minas Tirith group had only one horse (Gond.)

I had guessed that the elves would do some hard and fast bargaining, perhaps using some of Mellonin's money (fromthe sale of the family shield.) Maybe the reason they are willing to bargain might be that Erundil and Aeron are riding behind Taitheneb and Erebemlin?

[mark12_30]

Yoiks, lmp-- keep it up and we'll have no choice but to kill him off... A Connecticut Swamp-Yankee in King Aragorn's court!

Either that or make him go stark raving mad like Maglor.